By Jean Malanum

TOP SCORER. Jerick Geron of National University Nazareth School goes for the basket during the game against University of the Philippines Integrated School in the UAAP U16 basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena. He finished with 16 points and five rebounds in leading the Bullpups to a 100-45 win. (UAAP photo)

MANILA – Defending champion National University Nazareth School (NUNS) rolled to its fourth straight win after demolishing University of the Philippines Integrated School, 100-45, Wednesday in the UAAP Season 89 U16 basketball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Jerick Geron finished with 16 points and five rebounds as the Bullpups extended their winning run to 20 games dating back to Season 88.

“I am grateful to Coach Leo (Pujante). He gave me the opportunity to showcase my game. I still have plenty of shortcomings, but I am also thankful that I played well today,” Geron said after the game.

Elijah Javier contributed 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Jesse Arellano had 11 points and 11 rebounds for NUNS, which took a commanding 88-42 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Zandro Lugatiman finished with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Kean Poquiz added 12 points and two steals for the Fighting Maroons.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University-Diliman defeated De La Salle-Zobel, 86-76, to remain unbeaten after three outings.

Nicus Calma led the Baby Tamaraws with 20 points and nine rebounds while Bernard Alsola and Griffin Barlan scored 15 and 14 points, respectively.

“If we just keep up the good work and maintain our great character, we might make it to the Finals again,” FEU-D head coach Muriel Garcia said.

Ryle Villaruz had 27 points and 12 rebounds, while Enzo Purugganan added 18 points and three assists for the Baby Archers, who took their second win against two losses.

In the other game, Adamson University clobbered Ateneo de Manila University, 78-56, to share fifth place with University of Santo Tomas at 1-2.

Kobe Edrada paced the Baby Falcons with 22 points and seven assists followed by Raphael Gayatin and Dwayne Sepnio with 16 and 14 points, respectively.

Jayden Ylen led Ateneo with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Karl Gandionco had 11 points and seven rebounds. Richkurt Dela Cruz and Ezequiel Molina contributed 10 points apiece.

UPIS and Ateneo are at the bottom of the standings with identical 0-3 records. (PNA)