Peter Osang posted a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double in his Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup debut as University of Santo Tomas pounded Ateneo de Manila University 63-52 on Monday at San Juan’s Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Osang, previously a pool member of the Blue Eagles, also contributed four points in the pivotal 14-2 run that turned a one-point, 47-46, edge early in the final frame into a 61-48 advantage with 3:26 to go.
The Growling Tigers held on to the momentum en route to their second straight win, evening out their record to 2-2.
“We just keep on improving. ‘Yung chemistry, bini-build namin and then we’re testing our foreign student-athletes,” said UST tactician Pido Jarencio, as he went with Osang in lieu of Mo Tounkara who suited up in their first three games.
Lead guard Forthsky Padrigao didn’t do much in terms of scoring, with just three points in his first meeting with his former team, but he collected six assists, while Filipino-American Leland Estacio contributed 11 points and two rebounds.
“For me, hindi na ‘ko nag-focus sa kung sino ‘yung kalaban namin,” said Padrigao, who left Katipunan last year and then transferred to the Growling Tigers.
Andrew Bongo was the only Blue Eagle in double digits with 11 points as they stumbled to 0-2 to start the tournament, co-presented by Bostik El Heneral and ABC Tile Adhesive, with Smart Sports, Strong Group Athletics, and Hanes as major sponsors.
The UAAP bracket still remained dominated by University of the Philippines, thanks to JD Cagulangan and Francis Lopez, who each contributed 10 points in their 73-63 victory against National University.
The Fighting Maroons rose to 4-0, including a win against UAAP Season 86 finals tormentor De La Salle University.
The still-winless Bulldogs were led by Jolo Manansala and Jake Figueroa, who each scored 10 points.
In the NCAA bracket, Jose Rizal University and San Sebastian College-Recolectos then pulled off upsets against favored teams to pick up their first wins in four games in the preseason showcase, also supported by Tela.com Athletics as the official outfitter and Molten as the official game ball, as well as minor sponsors Reyes Barbecue, KFC, Brothers Burger, Wallem Philippines Shipping, Harbor Star Shipping Services, Akari, Jiang Nan Hotpot, and KantiGo Sports.
Marj de Leon registered 17 points along with nine boards, while Joshua Guiab had 12 points, six boards, and four assists to lead the Heavy Bombers to a 73-66 victory over the erstwhile-unbeaten Emilio Aguinaldo College.
On the other hand, a Christian Ricio trey lifted the Golden Stags to an 80-79 victory against NCAA Season 99 finalist Mapua University, putting the finishing touches on a 22-point and 21-point performance, respectively, from Raymart Escobido and Tristan Felebrico.
For the now-3-1 Generals, King Gurtiza provided 14 points and three boards while receiving ample help from Harvey Pagsanjan, who contributed 11 points.
Meanwhile, Arellano University climbed back to the win column and tied EAC in the standings after carving out a 68-65 triumph over University of Perpetual Help, led by Lorenz Capulong and his 16 points.
With the loss, the Altas slid down to 3-2, despite Richard Movida’s 13 points and Christian Pagaran’s 11 points. The Cardinals, meanwhile, dropped to 2-3, despite Yam Concepcion’s breakout game of 16 points and five rebounds.
