Aljun Melecio exploded for nine of his 19 points in the final two minutes as La Salle-Zobel held off defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman, 61-59, and seize the early lead in the UAAP juniors basketball tournament yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Baby Tamaraws held a comfortable eight-point lead at the 1:49 mark of the fourth quarter before Melecio drilled three consecutive triples for the Junior Archers to grab a 59-58 lead.
David Completo then split his charities to force the game’s last deadlock at 59-59 before La Salle-Zobel’s Karl Maldinger calmly buried two free throws in the last 7.3 seconds.
The Baby Tamaraws tried to turn things around but failed to launch an attempt in the dying seconds.
Renzo Subido finished with 20 points while Melecio added 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the Junior Archers, who are unbeaten in two games.
BoxScores
DLSZ (61) – Subido 20, Melecio 19, Sajulga 9, Banzon 7, Maldinger 2, Romero 2, Castro 2, Isaac 0.
FEU (59) – Domingo JJ 13, Comboy 13, Lee 12, Escoto 7, Domingo JS 7, Completo 7, Aquino 0. Quarterscores: 13-9, 25-26, 42-46, 61-59