NU cagers reach semis

Games Sunday (Blue Eagle gym) 9 a.m. – Adamson vs UST 11 a.m. – UE vs NU 1 p.m. – Ateneo vs UPIS 3 p.m. – La Salle-Zobel vs FEU

National University overwhelmed University of the Philippines Integrated School, 91-60, over the weekend to clinch the second Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 80 juniors basketball tourney at The Arena in San Juan City.

Winderlich Coyoca provided the scoring punch off the bench with 16 points while big man Rhayyan Amsali finished with a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Bullpups’ full domination of the erstwhile streaking Junior Maroons.

NU, which led from start to finish and built a lead as high of 37 points in the third period, improved its mark to 9-2, and tightened its hold of the second spot and joined unscathed Ateneo (11-0) as early entrants in the semifinals.

Matt Santiago had a team-high 19 points, while Joelo Tupaz collected 10 points and 14 rebounds but UPIS still proved no match to NU’s potent attack that stopped its twogame winning run for a 3-8 card overall, moving on the brink of elimination.

Meanwhile, ace forward CJ Cansino rediscovered his fine form as University of Santo Tomas downed University of the East, 88-76, to stop a three-game bleeding.

Cansino, who’s getting strong interest from new UST seniors cage team coach Aldin Ayo, did it all with 19 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and two steals to help the Tiger Cubs jack up their slate to 6-5, tying defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman at third spot.

Shane Dichoso exploded for 26 points, spiked by five triples, while Agem Miranda had 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists but could not prevent the Junior Warriors from taking an early exit with a lowly 1-10 card.