De La Salle University smoothly secured its second win in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, defeating Centro Escolar University, 90-74, on Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Rookie Jonnel Policarpio delivered a strong performance for the DLSU Green Archers, contributing 13 points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals to guide the Taft side to a 2-0 record in Group II.
“He knows what he could bring. Marami pa siyang dapat matutunan and I’m just happy to see him grow with us,” said coach Topex Robinson of Policarpio.
Kevin Quiambao added 12 points, seven boards, four assists, and four steals, while Raven Cortez contributed 12 points, and Rhyle Melencio came off the bench for 11 points in La Salle’s convincing back-to-back victories to start the premier preseason tournament, supported by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten.
This marked the second consecutive defeat for CEU, which dropped to 1-2, relying on Anjord Cabotaje’s 11 points.
University of Perpetual Help staged a comeback from a nine-point deficit in the third quarter to stun San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 66-65. Christian Pagaran made the go-ahead basket with 1:40 remaining as both teams engaged in a defensive chess match in the clutch.
Despite having opportunities, the Golden Stags were unable to convert, with Alex Desoyo missing his three-pointer, and James Una unable to control the ball as time expired.
Carlo Ferreras led the scoring for the Altas with 11 points, while Pagaran contributed eight points, eight rebounds, and three blocks in their bounce-back win, improving their record to 4-1.
“Very happy ako sa response ng players. A win is a win at maganda lang is nade-develop kami bawat laro,” said coach Myk Saguiguit.
Romel Calahat paced San Sebastian (1-2) with 16 points and six rebounds, while Rafael Are added 15 points, six boards, and four assists in the loss.
Noy Remogat had a strong start and led University of the East to a 71-55 victory over Adamson University. The sophomore guard knocked down five three-pointers for a team-high 21 points to go along with four assists as the Red Warriors rebounded from a tough 75-69 defeat to St. Clare last week.
“I emphasized to the players na ‘di dapat maging complacent. Yun ang main focus namin for this game: to have a good start and sustain it,” said coach Jack Santiago, as UE jumped to a 36-22 lead just before halftime and never looked back.
American reinforcement Delvion Jackson recorded a double-double of 12 points, 14 rebounds, seven steals, and four assists, while Welo Lingo-Lingo contributed 12 points from four triples.
Adamson (1-2) suffered its second straight loss without lead guards Jerom Lastimosa and Joem Sabandal. No player reached double figures for the Soaring Falcons, with Eli Ramos leading the scoring for the San Marcelino crew with nine points.
Jose Rizal University held off Emilio Aguinaldo College, 80-77, to secure its first win in Group I. Ry dela Rosa scored 21 points, including a game-sealing free throw split with 8.4 seconds remaining.
Rookie Shawn Argente added 20 points as the Heavy Bombers avoided a massive collapse after leading by 17 points in the third quarter and even their standing at 1-1.
Ralph Robin had a chance to force overtime, but his late trey failed to find the bottom of the net as the Generals lost two straight games. He ended up with 19.
The Scores:
First Game:
JRU 80 — Dela Rosa 21, Argente 20, Delos Santos 9, Pablico 6, Arenal 5, Medina 4, Barrera 3, Bongay 3, Benitez 3, De Leon 2, Ramos 2, Raymundo 2, Sarmiento 0, Mosqueda 0.
EAC 77 — Robin 19, Cosejo 16, Maguliano 14, Luciano 8, Tolentino 7, Loristo 6, Bajon 4, Umpad 2, Cosa 1, Gurtiza 0, Ochavo 0, Balowa 0, Dominguez 0, Quinal 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19, 46-33, 63-53, 80-77.
Second Game:
Perpetual 66 — Ferreras 11, Pagaran 8, Razon 7, Movida 6, Ramirez 6, Nunez 5, Boral 5, Roque 5, Cuevas 5, Nitura 4, Barcuma 2, Sevilla 2, Abis 0, Gelsano 0, Cauguiran 0.
San Sebastian 65 — Calahat 16, Are 15, Re. Gabat 10, Una 9, Desoyo 7, Concha 4, Barroga 2, Pascual 2, Castor 0, Paglinawan 0, Ra. Gabat 0, Aguilar 0, Suico 0, Velasco 0.
Quarterscores: 18-14, 38-37, 55-60, 66-65.
Third Game:
UE 71 — Remogat 21, Jackson 12, Lingo-Lingo 12, Paranada 8, Tomas 5, Langit 4, Maglupay 4, Rosete 3, Alcantara 2, Manalang 0, Gilbuena 0, Maga 0, Soriano 0, de Leon 0.
Adamson 55 — Ramos 9, Erolon 8, V. Magbuhos 7, Hanapi 6, Manzano 6, Ignacio 6, Calisay 6, Montebon 2, Canete 2, Sicat 1, Torres 0.
Quarterscores: 18-17, 36-24, 57-50, 71-55.
Fourth Game:
La Salle 90 — Policarpio 13, Quiambao 12, Cortez 12, Melencio 11, Abadam 10, Nelle 8, Nwankwo 6, Austria 5, Gollena 4, Alao 4, Buensalida 4, Escandor 1, David 0, Marasigan 0.
CEU 74 — Cabotaje 11, Diaz 9, Bernabe 9, Balogun 7, Tolentino 7, Santos 6, Ferrer 6, Darbin 5, Malicana 5, Penano 4, Javier 3, Reyes 2, Anagbogu 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 32-18, 59-42, 70-56, 90-74.
