De La Salle University used a huge second-quarter surge to down Lyceum of the Philippines University, 88-65, to stay unbeaten in Group B of the 2022 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, Sunday in San Juan City.
The Green Archers extend their winning streak to three to take the top spot in the group. Meanwhile, the Pirates suffer their first loss in four games.
La Salle used a 22-16 second period to turn a 24-15 close affair to score a 46-31 breakaway in the first half. Bright Nwonkwo then completed an and-one play with 1:02 left in the third quarter that pushed La Salle’s lead to its biggest at 27 points, 73-46.
“We’re trying to learn; we’re trying to get better. We want to eliminate the bad habits. We’re here to learn from the games and not to learn bad habits, like underestimating LPU,” said La Salle head coach Derrick Pumaren.
“We know that they’re undefeated, so we must be ready to play them. And I’m happy that the mindset was like that when we started the game.”
Michael Phillips top-scored in La Salle, producing 14 points on an 85.7-percent shooting clip with nine rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
Joaqui Manuel and Kevin Quiambao both got 12 points apiece, with the former adding nine rebounds and two assists. Meanwhile, the latter contributed three rebounds and four assists.
The Green Archers will look to extend their Group B lead against winless Jose Rizal University (0-3) on August 11 at 5:00 PM.
Mclaude Guadaña paved the way for the Pirates with 19 points, two rebounds, and an assist.
Meanwhile, John Barba added 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Omar Larupay supplied 12 points, seven rebounds, and an assist.
The Pirates will attempt to bounce back when they take on Colegio de San Juan de Letran (1-0) on August 9 at 1:00 PM.
The Scores:
La Salle 88 — M. Phillips 14, Manuel 12, Quiambao 12, B. Phillips 10, Abadam 6, Blanco 5, Nelle 5, Escandor 5, Nwankwo 5, Buensalida 2, Nonoy 2, Montecillo 0, Alao 0.
Lyceum 65 –– Guadana 19, Barba 15, Larupay 12, Montano 6, Navarro 5, Bravo 3, Garro 3, Umali 2, Penafiel 0, Cunanan 0, Aviles 0, Omandac 0, Villegas 0, Venoya 0, Caduyac 0.
Quarterscores: 24-15, 46-31, 73-48, 88-65.
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The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page