FAR EASTERN University-Diliman pulled off a wire-to-wire 85-50 win over Ateneo for a winning start in the UAAP high school boys basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

John Ray Pasaol, the only player from the Baby Tamaraws squad that placed second in the league’s most recent competition in 2020, was solid in 14 points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals.

Dwyne Miranda, the son of former pro Denok who is also one the FEU’s assistants, contributed 12 points, seven boards and six assists.

“Importante yung first game para makuha namin ang confidence,” said coach Allan Albano after his team’s dominant victory.

Reinhard Jumamoy had 19 points, eight rebounds and six steals as three-peat seeking Nazareth School of National University pulled off a come-from-behind 79-76 win over Adamson in the final game.

The new-look Bullpups, who also drew 14 points, six assists and six boards from RJ Colonia, extended their win streak to 28 games dating back from 2018.

Earlier, Kobe Demisana had a impressive debut of 17 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks and four assists as UP Integrated School outlasted University of the East in overtime, 101-94.

It was Demisana’s three-pointer who put the game to bed for the Junior Fighting Maroons, taking a 99-89 advantage, with a minute left in the league’s first high school boys basketball game since March 9, 2020. “Masaya. Since 2020, inaantay namin ito especially sa mga kagaya ni Kobe na first time na na-experience ito,” said UPIS coach Paolo Mendoza.

“They wanted it more.”

Basty Jacob led the Junior Fighting Maroons with 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists, Daryl Valdevilla scored 18 points while Jonas Napalang also had a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards.

University of Santo Tomas overcame a nine-point first-half deficit to beat run to La Salle-Zobel, 56-46, for a winning start.

James Jumao-as finished with 17 points off the bench as the Tiger Cubs used a strong second half to frustrate the youthful Junior Archers.

“Natutuwa ako sa mga graduating namin at nag-step up sila like si James Jumao-as, JP Pangilinan at Mark Llemit,” UST coach Jinino Manansala said.

Pangilinan and Llemit were the other Tiger Cubs in twin digits with 10 points apiece.