The UST Tiger Cubs failed to take home the crown after being thrashed by the UE Junior Warriors, 47-78, in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 junior high school basketball finals on Friday, Dec. 20, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Gab Delos Reyes was named the Finals MVP, averaging 9.3 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in all three games.

Dustin Bathan paced UST in their heartbreak, tallying 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jhon Canapi finished with 11 points and five boards.

The Tiger Cubs started the opening quarter firm through Miguel Jubilado and Bathan, securing an early four-point advantage against the Junior Warriors, 9-5.

The Recto-based squad charged back courtesy of Oraa and Enrico Bungar to even the game at 15-all entering the second canto.

UE unleashed a 12-4 run through the offensive firepower of Brian Orca, Jolo Pascual, and Oraa to secure an eight-point cushion, 19-27.

UE continued to impose their dominance in the remaining minutes of the second quarter, padding their lead to 11 at halftime, 23-34.

The Junior Warriors carried their momentum into the third salvo, establishing an 11-0 rally fueled by Mav Mesina, Neil Garcia, Oraa, and Bungar, widening their lead to 22, 23-45.

The España-based squad was firing blanks in the third period, tallying only 12 points compared to UE’s 20 points, 35-54.

UST was in deeper waters as they struggled to counter the Junior Warriors offensively and defensively in the final period.

Oraa, Bungar, and Cyrus Dalosa knocked in three consecutive three-pointers to seal their first UAAP championship in 52 years, 47-78.

Ethan Oraa led UE’s scoring arsenal, turning in 13 points and three rebounds, while Enrico Bungar registered 11 points, four rebounds, and three steals in the winning effort.

UST’s under-19 team will now be set to compete for another round of UAAP Juniors Basketball in the second semester of the season in 2025.