Behind the hot hands of Maclaude Guadana, Lyceum of the Philippines University opened its 15th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup with a rousing win over Far Eastern University, 71-62, Monday in San Juan City.
The Pirates took their first win in Group B, while the Tamaraws slipped to their second consecutive loss.
Guadana finished with 29 points on an impressive 83-percent shooting clip, seven of which came from behind the arc, most of which came from the first half. The guard also finished with two assists, one steal, and one rebound.
After trailing by as much as nine in the opening period, Lyceum took charge of the game with second-year stalwart MacLaude Guadana’s hot shooting.
The Pirates led by as much as 20, 56-36, with 41 seconds left in the third quarter off a John Barba drive to the basket.
FEU came to within 10, 59-69, off a Royce Alforque basket with 1:40 left. The lead, though, was too much and Lyceum went away with the win.
“Di naman namin kailangang mag-madali, and the good thing is they responded very well lang. I thank my players and also my assistant coaches for doing a great job in this game,” Lyceum head coach Gilbert Malabanan said.
Barba flirted with a double-double with nine points and eight rebounds to go with one steal. John Bravo added eight markers, six boards, two steals, and an assist.
L-Jay Gonzales took charge of the Tamaraws with 11 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while James Tempra added nine markers on a perfect-shooting clip along with two rebounds and two assists.
The Pirates (1-0) will look to build a winning streak against Jose Rizal University on July 31 at 9 a.m. On the other hand, the Tamaraws (0-2) will go for their first win against San Sebastian College on July 27 at 11 a.m.
The Scores:
Lyceum 71 – Guadana 29, Barba 9, Bravo 8, Navarro 7, Venoya 4, Aviles 4, Umali 4, Caduyac 2, Cunanan 2, Penafiel 2, Omandac 0, Garro 0, Larupay 0.
FEU 62 – Gonzales 11, Tempra 9, Alforque 8, Torres 8, Sajonia 7, Songcuya 5, Montemayor 5, Sleat 3, Ona 3, Sandagoon 2, Grevera 1, Bagunu 0.
Quarterscores: 19-17, 38-27, 56-38, 71-62.
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The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
