UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) leaned on rookie Kyle Magdato to edge Ateneo, 1-0, and grab a share of third place in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 78 men’s football tournament at the Moro Lorenzo Field on Thursday.
Magdato rebounded Raphael Resuma’s miss in the 29th minute for what turned out as the only goal the Fighting Maroons needed to book the win. UP’s second victory tied the Maroons with idle National University at seven points.
Bless Brian Jumo I nailed an 88th-minute goal on an assist by his twin brother by Bless Brian Jumo II, as Adamson University claimed its first three points of the season with a 1-0 squeaker over University of the East.
The Maroons were able to neutralize the Blue Eagles’ rookie sensation Jarvey Gayoso, who has already scored three goals in the tournament.
“We are aware of Gayoso’s threat. That’s why our main focus was defense and to control their counterattacks,” UP Coach Anto Gonzales said.
The Maroons missed national U-19 players JB Borlongan and Christian Lapas for the second straight game but it hardly affected them.
Ateneo and Adamson University fell to joint sixth with three points apiece.
BULLPUPS EYE CROWN
NATIONAL University shoots for the juniors basketball crown when it battles De La Salle-Zobel in Game Two at 2 p.m. on Friday at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
The Bullpups are unbeaten in 15 games and are eyeing their third title in the last four years.
John Lloyd Clemente and Justine Baltazar sparkled in Game One where the Bullpups hardly gave the Junior Archers a chance, 78-58.
Clemente finished with 16 points while Baltazar had 15 points and 27 rebounds, his 12th double-double of the season.