De La Salle University dominated University of the East with a 100-86 victory, securing their position at the top of Group II in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Sunday in San Juan.
Kevin Quiambao led the scoring for La Salle with 14 points, accompanied by 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Joshua David contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists, helping to maintain their flawless record after five games.
“This is also a reminder for us to stay grounded. Yes, the game against UP was significant, but like everything else, it’s in the past. What matters is what lies ahead,” said head coach Topex Robinson, referring to their victory over the Fighting Maroons the previous day and their upcoming match against National University, scheduled for Monday at the same venue.
With the teams tied at 15, Quiambao sank three three-pointers, igniting a 23-4 run that propelled La Salle to a 38-19 lead late in the second quarter. Noy Remogat brought the Red Warriors as close as 67-71 late in the third period, only to see Quiambao and David combine forces for a 19-4 response, reestablishing a 90-71 advantage in the last five minutes.
“We have a lot of respect for coach Jack [Santiago]. I told the team not to be surprised by their surge. It’s our responsibility to respond to the challenge. This is also an opportunity to maximize our lineup,” said Robinson.
The Green Archers once again showcased their depth, with four players reaching double digits and their bench outplaying their opponents with a dominating score of 54-19.
In Group I action, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA overcame a 20-point deficit thanks to Arthur Roque’s efforts, frustrating Jose Rizal University with an 80-78 victory.
The team from Las Piñas found themselves trailing 23-43 midway through the second quarter but rallied with a 20-6 run, closing the gap to just six points at 43-49 early in the third. In the final period, they continued their pursuit while trailing 69-71, until Roque single-handedly scored all but two points in a 7-0 burst, snatching the lead at 76-71.
“This was a very good game for us against JRU. Marami kaming natutunan. Nakita ko yung composure. Hindi kami bumitaw. We’re on the right track,” said head coach Myk Saguiguit after they tightened their grip on Group I’s no. 1 spot at 5-1.
It was the team’s defensive efforts that sealed the victory in the last four minutes, as Perpetual forced the Heavy Bombers into six misses and a turnover. Roque finished with 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field, in addition to four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. JP Boral contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists of his own.
The Altas have now defeated five NCAA teams, with their only loss coming at the hands of last year’s runner-up, the College of St. Benilde.
“Siyempre, ‘pag nananalo, morale-boosting yan e. Magandang baon ‘to para sa amin sa NCAA. Dapat tumatak sa utak ng mga players na nanalo na kami sa kanila,” said Saguiguit.
In other games, Emilio Aguinaldo College notched back-to-back wins at the expense of Mapua University, 78-75.
Joshua Tolentino fired 11 points, four coming in the last three minutes to help the Generals pull away from the Cardinals en route to their first winning streak following a 0-2 start in Group I of the premiere preseason tournament backed by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten. First-year head coach Jerson Cabiltes also got contributions from veterans Andrei Doria (11 points in five minutes) and Erlan Umpad (10 points in 16 minutes).
Adamson University then followed up its big win against UP by outclassing Centro Escolar University, 83-68.
Still sans lead guards Jerom Lastimosa and Joem Sabandal, the Soaring Falcons relied on newcomer Monti Montebon who collected 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Matty Erolon chimed in 14 points and two rebounds as well for them to even out their Group II slate at 3-3.
“It’s nice that CEU was able to put a lot of pressure on us kasi that’s what we’ll see from most teams in the UAAP. That’ll really help us,” said head coach Nash Racela.
For the 1-3 Heavy Bombers, Shawn Argente showed the way with 18 points, three rebounds, and three steals. The Cardinals, meantime, dropped to 3-2 even with the 17 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals from Clint Escamis.
Noy Remogat paced the 2-3 Red Warriors with 23 points, while the 1-3 Scorpions were spearheaded by the 18 points and nine rebounds of Ronrei Tolentino.
The Scores:
First Game:
Perpetual 80 – Roque 24, Boral 11, Barcuma 9, Pagaran 8, Razon 7, Ferreras 6, Abis 4, Ramirez 4, Nitura 4, Nunez 3, Sevilla 0, Orgo 0, Cuevas 0, Movida 0, Gelsano 0
JRU 78 – Argente 18, Dela Rosa 12, Medina 9, Mosqueda 9, De Leon 8, Lu 8, Sarmiento 6, Pabico 4, Arenal 2, Raymundo 2, Barrera 0, Guiab 0, Bongay 0
Quarterscores: 16-27, 39-49, 65-66, 80-78
Second Game:
EAC 78 – Tolentino 11, Doria 11, Umpad 10, Robin 9, Maguliano 6, Gurtiza 5, Loristo 5, Ochavo 5, Cosejo 4, Dominguez 4, Luciano 3, Balowa 3, Angeles 2, Cosa 0
Mapua 75 – Escamis 17, Bonifacio 14, Garcia 12, Dalisay 7, Agustin 6, Nocum 5, Igliane 4, Rivera 4, Garcia 2, Cuenco 2, Soriano 2, Agemenyi 0
Quarterscores: 19-15, 39-35, 58-60, 78-75
Third Game:
Adamson 83 – Erolon 14, Hanapi 11, Magbuhos 11, Montebon 10, Canete 8, Anabo 6, Calisay 5, Barasi 4, Douanga 4, Manzano 3, Torres 3, Ignacio 2, Colonia 2, Fuentebella 0, Sicat 0
CEU 68 – Tolentino 18, Santos 12, Puray 9, Balogun 8, Cabotaje 8, Diaz 4, Bernabe 4, Dela Cruz 3, Reyes 2, Ferrer 0, Malicana 0, Darbin 0, Penano 0, Javier 0, Anagbogu 0
Quarterscores: 25-13, 44-30, 66-45, 73-68
Fourth Game:
DLSU 100 – Quiambao 14, David 11, Escandor 11, Gollena 10, Nwankwo 8, B Phillips 8, Nonoy 8, Policarpio 7, Cortez 6, Buensalida 5, Abadam 4, Melencio 3, Marasigan 3, Estacio 2, Austria 0
UE 86 – Remogat 23, Lingo-Lingo 13, Tomas 11, Alcantara 10, Rosete 10, Maglupay 6, Gilbuena 5, Langit 4, Robles 2, Maga 2, Fong 0, Manalang 0, Cabero 0
Quarterscores: 32-17, 54-41, 75-67, 100-86
