University of the Philippines ended their FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup eliminations campaign as the second seed, beating Arellano University, 88-79, on Thursday in San Juan City.
UP grabbed the second seed of Group A with a 6-2 win-loss record. Meanwhile, Arellano is still looking for their second win, now with 1-6.
The Maroons were up by as much as 12 right at the halfway mark of the payoff period courtesy of a Malick Diouf jam, giving them a 78-66 lead.
Axel Doromal and Jade Talampas answered back with back-to-back threes for Arellano to bring their team to within six, 72-78.
Gerry Abadanio was able to restore UP’s double-digit lead following a layup, 82-72 with 3:26 remaining.
Cade Flores answered with a basket-plus-foul with exactly three minutes remaining to cut it back to seven, 82-75. Then both teams started to exchange baskets, which eventually led to the six-point win by UP.
“I think Arellano played very well today. I think they shot well, especially from three-point line. They gave us trouble, especially Malik trying to close out their three-point shooters. We didn’t play up to our standards today which is the main thing I think,” said UP assistant coach Mo Gingerich.
Arellano was up by as much as 11 right at the start of the third period. Then UP sparked a 24-9 run to end the third canto to give them a slight 62-58 advantage going into the fourth.
Both Carl Tamayo and Malick Diouf feasted in the paint. Tamayo scored 26 points and 10 rebounds, while the latter had 21 markers and 11 boards.
For Arellano, Axel Doromal finished with a game-high 27 points while shooting 62-percent. He also had a rebound and three assists. Shane Menina had 19 markers, three boards, and five dimes. Cade Flores ended with a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Arellano will play their last game against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Saturday at 11:00 AM.
The Scores:
UP 88 — Tamayo 26, Diouf 21, Torculas 13, Fortea 7, Cagulangan 6, Alarcon 4, Abadiano 4, Calimag 3, Catapusan 2, Eusebio 2, Ramos 0.
Arellano 82 — Doromal 27, Menina 19, Flores 13, Oftana 6, Sunga 6, Valencia 4, Talampas 3, Oliva 2, Mantua 2, Mallari 0, Tolentino 0, Punzalan 0.
Quarterscores: 22-23, 38-42, 62-58, 88-82.
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The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
