Far Eastern University dug deep to stun unbeaten University of the Philippines, 85-76, spoiling the Fighting Maroons’ bid for a perfect elimination-round campaign in the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup in San Juan on Tuesday.
Mo Konateh delivered 24 points and 13 rebounds, outplaying UP’s frontline and helping FEU snap a three-game losing streak.
Kirby Mongcopa added 21 points and seven rebounds, scoring nine during the Tamaraws’ explosive 28-point third quarter that turned a slim 44-41 halftime deficit into a 67-58 advantage. FEU stretched the lead to as much as 81-66 with 4:50 remaining.
Jorick Bautista contributed 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Janrey Pasaol chipped in 14 points and four rebounds as the Tamaraws improved to 2-3 in the premier preseason tournament.
Sean Alter was the lone bright spot for the top-seeded Fighting Maroons (5-1), finishing with 19 points and five rebounds off the bench.
Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde dashed Jose Rizal University’s hopes of securing the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Group, escaping with an 81-80 overtime victory.
Allen Liwag scored the game-winning putback with 3.0 seconds left in overtime to help St. Benilde cap its up-and-down preseason campaign on a winning note at 5-4. The reigning back-to-back NCAA MVP finished with 20 points, five rebounds, and four blocks.
Justine Sanchez also stepped up with 13 points and five assists, including the game-tying jumper with 27.0 seconds left in regulation that forced overtime at 73-all.
“We went to two of the guys we really trust. We went to Ian [Torres] and Allen. They’re gonna make a play out of that. Obviously, we really trust both of them to make good decisions, to make big plays, and Allen made the shot,” said coach Paolo Layug.
JRU (7-2) squandered its opportunity to lock up the top seed despite 17-point outings from Lawrence Mangubat and Sean Salvador.
In the day’s other game, Arellano University finally broke into the win column, routing fellow winless San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 103-78.
T-Mc Ongotan and EJ Geronimo made sure the Chiefs would not be denied this time. Ongotan tallied 17 points and three steals, while Geronimo added 15 points and four assists as Arellano picked up its first victory after nine games.
Christian Ricio scored 14 points, while Neil Castor added 12 for the Golden Stags, who wrapped up another winless preseason campaign.
The Scores:
First Game:
Arellano 103 – Ongotan 17, Geronimo 15, Abiera 13, Libang 10, Camay 8, Manansala 6, Flores 6, Barraca 6, Ladica 5, Langit 4, Borromeo 4, Vinoya 3, Anama 3, Buenaventura 2, Hernal 1, Demetria 0.
San Sebastian 78 – Ricio 14, Castor 12, Bacani 11, Muktimar 8, Gabat 7, Ynot 7, Barroga 6, Alforque 3, Salvo 3, Gomez De Liaño 3, Acosta 2, Segovia 2, Suico 0, Chiudian 0.
Quarterscores: 33-20, 52-38, 76-59, 103-78.
Second Game:
Saint Benilde 81 – Liwag 20, Sanchez 13, Moore 12, Torres 9, Daja 9, Jucom 4, Gonzaga 4, Celis 4, Cajucom 2, Baliquig 2, Go 2, Podador 0, Arciaga 0, Lorenzo 0.
Jose Rizal 80 – Salvador 17, Mangubat 17, Laurenaria 16, Agemenyi 7, Eligado 6, Garcia 5, Palis 4, Bagro 2, Lozano 2, Garupil 2, Masiglat 2, Herrera 0, Panapanaan 0, Duque 0.
Quarterscores: 16-17, 32-39, 51-60, 73-73, 81-80.
Third Game:
FEU 85 – Konateh 24, Mongcopa 21, Bautista 16, Pasaol 14, Cabonilas 6, Felipe 2, Mahmood 2, Hall 0, Burgos 0, Nakai 0.
UP 76 – Alter 19, Tovera 7, Bayla 6, Miles 6, Poyos 5, Ogana 5, Pre 4, Remogat 4, Dimaculangan 4, Palanca 4, Payosing 3, Franco 3, Yniguez 3, Briones 2, Andres 1, Stevens 0.
Quarterscores: 24-22, 41-44, 67-60, 85-76.
