Defending champions Far Eastern University-Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University opened their UAAP Season 88 High School 3x3 Basketball campaigns with convincing victories on Monday at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. FEU-D, the two-time reigning 19-and-under boys’ champion, cruised past Adamson, 22-9, behind a balanced effort from Sam Hall, Marc Burgos, Cabs Cabonilas, and JB Cagurangan. Hall sealed the win with a late two-pointer, while Cabonilas, who also had six rebounds and four assists, said he wants to end his high school run by helping the Baby Tamaraws complete a “golden double” after their earlier 5-on-5 title. In the 16-and-under division, Ateneo also began its title defense in firm control, beating UPIS, 21-14, as reigning MVP Sky Jazul fired 11 points, including four two-pointers and the game-winner. Tiny orange ball, huge teenage pressure.
NU-Nazareth School secured its seventh UAAP girls’ volleyball championship with a dominant straight-sets victory over Adamson University, 33-31, 25-19, 25-17, in Game 2 of the Finals. The Lady Bullpups, led by Finals MVP Harlyn Serneche and top scorer Denesse Daylisan, avenged last season’s defeat and reaffirmed their status as one of the tournament’s most successful programs. The win marked their third Finals triumph over Adamson in four matchups, solidifying their place behind De La Salle Zobel in overall UAAP titles.