University of Perpetual Help maintained its spotless start in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup with a 69-63 victory over NCAA rival Lyceum of the Philippines University on Friday in San Juan.
Carlo Ferreras’ crucial steal, followed by a booming three-pointer with 1:13 remaining, propelled the Altas to a 66-61 lead, deflating the Pirates. Ferreras finished with 19 points, shooting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.
The Las Piñas side extended their winning streak in Group I to three games.
“Mind-setting ito para sa mga players, confidence-booster para sa mga bata na kaya naming sumabay sa mga makakalaban namin pagdating ng NCAA,” said coach Myk Saguiguit.
Perpetual also spoiled Enoch Valdez’s 21-point performance as LPU suffered back-to-back losses after winning their opening game in the prestigious preseason tournament supported by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten.
In another NCAA showdown, College of St. Benilde held off Emilio Aguinaldo College, 82-80.
Miggy Corteza led the charge with 22 points, while Robi Nayve flirted with a triple-double, recording 17 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds, and two steals. The Blazers showcased their strongest performance in the preseason, bringing their Group I record to 1-1.
“To be honest, we’ve been struggling. It hasn’t been a good preseason for us, but thankfully, we played well today. Credit to them [EAC], they played hard, so this is also a learning experience for us,” said coach Charles Tiu, as they continue to cope with the absence of NCAA Season 98 MVP Will Gozum, who is currently focused on his stint with the Quezon Huskers in the MPBL.
Despite the best efforts of Nat Cosejo and Joshua Tolentino, who each scored 17 points, the Generals suffered a setback in their campaign opener.
On the other hand, San Beda University emerged triumphant for the first time as Bismarck Lina carried the team to a 74-73 victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
The 6-foot-5 big man recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, leading the Red Lions to a 1-1 record in Group I. Fellow transferee Ricci Calimag contributed 14 points and five rebounds.
“Ngayon, iniisip ko na preparation ko ‘to for (NCAA) Season 100. At sinasabi lang din naman ng mga coach na gamitin namin ‘to to enjoy the game and learn a lot,” said Lina, who is serving a one-year residency before becoming eligible to play for the red-and-white.
With the score tied at 73-all and seven seconds remaining, it was veteran Cyrus Llarena who secured an offensive rebound. He then was fouled, ultimately sinking both free throws. Those successful shots proved to be the difference between the long-standing rivals.
The Golden Stags suffered their first loss in three games, despite the impressive 20-point performance by newcomer Migs Pascual.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines maintained its perfect record with a dominant 109-56 victory over league newcomer Faith Colleges of Batangas.
The Fighting Maroons got off to a scorching 24-5 start, with six players already contributing to the scoring column. They never looked back, securing their third win in as many games in Group II.
In the end, Harold Alarcon tallied a triple-double of 14 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists on top of six steals. Meanwhile, Mark Belmonte impressed for the second straight game with 22 points and seven rebounds.
“Ginawa ko lang naman yung sistema namin kasi ginawa akong point guard nina coach. Yun lang po,” said Alarcon after he recorded the first triple-double of his collegiate career, while acting as State U’s lead guard due to the absence of JD Cagulangan, Terrence Fortea, Janjan Felicilda, and CJ Cansino.
The winless Bravehearts were paced by James Torrato with 12 points.
The Scores:
First Game
Perpetual 69 – Ferreras 19, Nitura 9, Ramirez 8, Pagaran 8, Omega 7, Roque 5, Razon 4, Nunez 3, Barcuma 2, Abis 2, Boral 2, Sevilla 0, Cuevas 0, Orgo 0
LPU 63 – Valdez 21, Penafiel 10, Cunanan 7, Villegas 6, Barba 5, Omandac 5, Montano 4, Umali 3, Bravo 2, Aviles 0, Alattica 0, Moralejo 0, Versoza 0, Daileg 0
Quarterscores: 16-18, 25-30, 46-37, 69-63
Second Game
Benilde 82 – Corteza 22, Nayve 17, Cajucom 16, Turco 7, Oczon 6, Mara 6, Jarque 3, Sangco 2, Carlos 2, Serrano 1, Marasigan 0, Flores 0, Dimayuga 0, Vanguardia 0, Lepalam 0
EAC 80 – Tolentino 17, Cosejo 17, Maguliano 15, Luciano 11, Robin 9, Umpad 4, Ochavo 4, Balowa 2, Loresto 1, Cosa 0, Quinal 0, Dominguez 0, Ednilag 0
Quarterscores: 21-22, 42-39, 74-64, 82-80
Third Game
UP 109 – Belmonte 22, Gonzales 20, Andrews 17, Alarcon 14, Briones 13, Torres 9, Abadiano 9, Andres 3, Lopez 2
FAITH 56 – JG Torrato 12, Millares 10, Fernado 7, Navarez 7, Villamor 6, Paguio 5, Llamado 3, JM Torrato 2, Quiroz 2, De Castro 2, Roxas 0, Rabino 0, Amparo 0, Laylo 0
Quarterscores: 24-10, 45-32, 75-44, 109-56
Fourth Game:
San Beda 74 – Lina 15, Calimag 14, Jalbuena 8, Payosing 7, Sajonia 6, Alloso 6, Tagle 5, Llarena 5, Etulle 5,Tagala 3, Teruel 0
San Sebastian 73 – Pascual 20, Desoyo 17, Calahat 11, RA Gabat 9, Are 5, RL Gabat 4, Paglinawan 3, Una 2, Barroga 2, Castor 0, Concha 0, Ricio 0
Quarterscores: 25-12, 39-34, 53-56, 74-73
