University of the Philippines clinched the second seed out of Group II in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup after dominating University of the East in the final frame for a 103-81 rout on Thursday in San Juan.
CJ Cansino fired 14 points on top of three assists, while Francis Lopez had 15 points and five boards. Harold Alarcon finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in the Fighting Maroons’ seventh win in nine games.
It was also Cansino who did the most damage in the pivotal 17-2 push, though. UP turned a one-point deficit early in the fourth quarter into an 85-71 advantage with 4:22 remaining.
“Si CJ, he’s a guy that’ll never hesitate e. Gumanda rin ikot ng bola namin and it just so happened na si CJ nakakuha ng good looks,” said UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon, talking for shot-caller Goldwin Monteverde.
The graduating guard hit three triples in the tide-turning run as State U ended up crushing the Red Warriors in the final frame, 35-15. With the win, they secured the no. 2 spot by virtue of their win over National University (6-2) in the group.
In the first three quarters, UE played well, staying neck-and-neck with the favored UP team with 11 deadlocks and seven lead changes. However, they ran out of gas late and finished their campaign with a 3-6 record.
Noy Remogat led the scoring for the Red Warriors with 30 points, along with five assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Meanwhile, American reinforcement Delvieon Jackson posted an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double.
On the other hand, Ateneo de Manila University made quick work of Faith Colleges of Batangas, 92-53, for their third consecutive victory in Group II.
Kai Ballungay had another strong showing with 22 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Joseph Obasa provided support with 13 points and nine rebounds. Lebron Nieto and Ian Espinosa also contributed 11 points each as the Blue Eagles improved to 3-5.
“We talked before the game about having the right mentality all the time. If you’re gonna be a competitor, you should show urgency all the time,” said head coach Tab Baldwin, referring to their mindset heading into the match against a winless opponent.
The Bravehearts finished the tournament without a win, losing all nine games. Still, Adam Fernando and Lloyd Dimawala each scored 11 points to lead their effort.
In Group I action, San Sebastian College-Recoletos kept Arellano University winless with an 85-78 decision.
Alex Desoyo had a hot hand with 21 points, while Scoobs Escobido contributed 15 points, with eight of them coming in the last four minutes. SSC-R secured back-to-back wins for the Golden Stags in the premier preseason tournament. The tournament is supported by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten.
“Siyempre, masaya kami kasi unexpected na manalo kami ng four with the new system tapos yung mga nawalang players. Thankful ako na na-adapt agad nila yung sistema,” said first-year Golden Stags head coach John Kallos, as he brings a 4-5 record into the upcoming NCAA Season 99.
The Chiefs (0-8) were led by Jade Talampas and his 20-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The Scores:
First Game:
San Sebastian 85 – Desoyo 21, Escobido 15, RA Gabat 12, Felebrico 9, Suico 7, Aguilar 6, Castor 4, RL Gabat 3, Barroga 2, Velasco 2, Shanoda 2, Concha 2, Pascual 0, Paglinawan 0
Arellano 78 – Talampas 20, Sunga 14, Camay 13, Mallari 10, Bagay 8, Abastillas 7, Valencia 3, Rosalin 2, Dela Cruz 1, Villarente 0, Domingo 0, Oftana 0, Antonio 0, Anama 0
Quarterscores: 20-16, 41-37, 65-56, 85-78
Second Game:
Ateneo 92 – Ballungay 22, Quitevis 13, Nieto 11, Espinosa 11, Tuano 8, Chiu 8, Lazaro 6, Quitevis 5, Ong 5, Credo 3, Padrigao 0, Gomez 0
FAITH 53 – Dimawala 11, Fernado 11, Tan 10, JM Torrato 7, Navarez 5, De Castro 3, Llamado 2, Millares 2, Amparo 2
Quarterscores: 24-13, 42-21, 67-34, 92-53
Third Game:
UP 103 – Alarcon 17, Lopez 15, Cansino 14, Alter 11, Torres 11, Cagulangan 9, Briones 9, Felicilda 4, Pablo 4, Belmonte 4, Gagate 3, Abadiano 2
UE 81 – Remogat 30, Jackson 18, Dumont-Cruz 11, Gilbuena 9, Rosete 4, Lingo-Lingo 3, Robles 2, Langit 2, Maga 2, Tomas 0, Galang 0, Palaroan 0, Maglupay 0, Maxie 0
Quarterscores: 19-18, 47-40, 68-66, 103-81
