De La Salle University set up a final showdown with University of the Philippines in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup after asserting its mastery over National University, winning 86-73 on Monday in San Juan.
Just like the two teams’ group phase meeting, the Green Archers proved to be too much for the Bulldogs. Kevin Quiambao led the way with a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double, accompanied by five assists.
After trailing 6-9 in the first half, La Salle scored 14 unanswered points, capped off by a Quiambao three-pointer, to take a 20-9 lead late in the quarter.
The Bulldogs could only come as close as nine points early in the second half as the Green Archers extended their lead to as much as 27 points.
“It’s really just these guys. They are really stepping up to the challenge,” said head coach Topex Robinson.
Quiambao was supported by the backcourt pair of Mark Nonoy, who had 14 points and four steals; and Evan Nelle, who contributed nine points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
The Green Archers replicated their 107-86 victory over National U in the group phase.
La Salle has now won 11 consecutive games in the premier preseason tournament, supported by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten, including a 90-83 triumph over UP in the group phase.
“So much respect to UP, to their program. For us, we just want to enjoy these experiences. They are one of the benchmarks in the UAAP, and we will have an opportunity to see where we stand,” said Robinson.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, saw their title reign come to a close, despite Jake Figueroa’s 13-point, 10-rebound performance. They will face Group I top-seed University of Perpetual Help in the Battle for 3rd place.
The Scores:
La Salle 86 – Quiambao 17, Nonoy 14, Nelle 9, M Phillips 9, Escandor 8, David 6, B Phillips 5, Gollena 5, Nwankwo 4, Austria 3, Abadam 2, Manuel 2, Macalalag 2, Policarpio 0, Cortez 0
NU 73 – Figueroa 13, Baclaan 11, John 10, Malonzo 9, Yu 8, Manansala 8, Enriquez 3, Gulapa 3, Jumamoy 2, Lim 2, Palacielo 2, Galinato 2, Padrones 0, Perciano 0, Parks 0
Quarterscores: 28-14, 45-38, 69-50, 86-73
