The debuting University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons pulled off a comeback win at the expense of the Mapua University Cardinals, 80-72, to seal their first win in Group B of the 2017 FilOil Flying V Pre-season Premier Cup, Friday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Maroons started strong with an 8-0 run in the first quarter, but the Cardinals turned it up in the second quarter ending with a huge 47 percent clip from the field.
Laurence Victoria and Exequiel Biteng led the Cardinals, who sent the lead up to double digits with five minutes left in the third.
UP then leaned on their defense to pushed for a comeback. Twice, the Maroons scored off back-to-back transition baskets to take the lead for good at 76-70, with just a minute left in the game.
Center Ibrahim Ouattara paced State U with a double-double performance of 16 points and 14 rebounds. It was, however, the heads-up play of University of Visayas transferee Jun Manzo that spelled the difference. The guard finished with 13 markers, an assist, and a steal.
The Fighting Maroons will try to better this win when they face College of Saint Benilde (1-3) on Sunday, May 21 at 11:15am.
Meanwhile, Mapua U (0-4) will attempt to salvage their FilOil campaign as they battle San Sebastian College Recolletos (2-1) on the following day at 1:30 pm.
The Scores:
UP (80) – Quattara 16, Manzo 13, Ju. Gomez De Liaño 12, Desiderio 10, Prado 6, Dario 6, Lao 5, Ja. Gomez De Liaño 4, Lim 4, Ricafort 2, Vito 2, Harris 0.
Mapua (72) – Victoria 14, Raflores 10, Bunag 8, Magboo 8, Gabo 8, Estrella 7, Orquina 7, Biteng 6, Pelayo 4, Serrano 0, Nieles 0, Gamboa 0, Aguirre 0.
Quarterscores: 23-20, 40-36, 54-61, 80-72
