The Battle of Katipunan in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup was one-sided for University of the Philippines, which handed Ateneo de Manila University a 25-point defeat, 95-70, on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Coming off back-to-back losses, the Maroons took control of the game right from the start against their modern-day rivals. Malick Diouf scored all but two points in their 8-0 run to begin the game, and LeBron Lopez’s breakaway dunk widened their lead to 20 points, 31-11, early in the second quarter.
“Ang nakita kong maganda, coming from two losses, bouncing back from it. I was satisfied sa naging consistency namin today,” said head coach Goldwin Monteverde after they got back on track now at 4-2.
From that point on, UP remained in complete control of the game, and Ateneo could only come as close as 13 points with 6:29 remaining before Harold Alarcon’s seven straight points repulsed their comeback.
In the end, Diouf posted 16 points and eight rebounds, while Alarcon contributed 16 points and three rebounds. The Fighting Maroons had five players in double digits, with CJ Cansino also adding 14 points.
However, Monteverde cautioned against reading too much into the victory, emphasizing that the preseason is about gaining experience for every team, including UP and Ateneo.
On the other hand, De La Salle University had to overcome complacency before defeating Faith Colleges of Batangas, 105-60. The Green Archers, who remain undefeated in Group II after seven games, showcased their depth with their reserves scoring 65 points. Kevin Quiambao led the way with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Ben Phillips contributed 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
“We actually played lousy basketball today. It’s very disappointing to see our players perform that way. We expected more. It’s not who we are. We should be better,” said head coach Topex Robinson, even though they had a lead as large as 48 points.
Faith Colleges started strongly and held a 5-3 advantage after one minute, but De La Salle responded with a 30-6 run over the next eight minutes, taking a commanding 33-11 lead that they never relinquished. Jonnel Policarpio added 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists to the team’s dominant performance.
Robinson reminded his players that they cannot afford to be mediocre, especially with a game against archrival Ateneo approaching. He emphasized the need to always honor the game and perform at their best.
In another game, National University bounced back from a double-digit loss to La Salle by defeating University of the East, 91-69. John Galinato led the Bulldogs with 15 points, and their strong defense forced 27 turnovers, which they converted into 41 points. They also dominated in rebounds and second-chance points, with advantages of 40-30 and 23-9, respectively. The win improved their Group II record to 2-1.
“Fortunately, our defense stepped up. In the previous game against La Salle, we played individually. So we focused on regrouping and playing as a team,” said head coach Jeff Napa, referring to their 107-86 loss.
Despite Noy Remogat’s 31-point performance, the Red Warriors fell to 2-4.
Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines University kept Arellano University winless with an 82-68 decision.
Enoch Valdez made his presence felt all over with 22 points, nine rebounds, and five steals, while Shawn Umali pounded in 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists of his own. Behind them, the Pirates doubled up the Chiefs in the final frame to turn a two-point edge into a second straight win in Group I.
“We had problems nung simula, pero kami, gusto naming maiwan na lahat nang yun sa dugout. Kaya pagdating ng second half, we regrouped and played as a team,” said head coach Gilbert Malabanan, as they now surge following a 1-2 start to the premiere preseason tournament supported by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten.
Joshua Abastillas fronted the effort for the 0-4 Chiefs with 17 points and seven rebounds.
The Scores:
First Game:
Lyceum 82 – Valdez 22, Umali 17, Barba 12, Aviles 9, Montano 7, Penafiel 6, Omandac 4, Villegas 3, Cunanan 2, Moralejo 0, Fuentes 0
Arellano 68 – Abastillas 17, Villarente 11, Valencia 10, Mallari 8, Bagay 7, Anama 6, Oftana 3, Doromal 2, Sunga 2, Antonio 2, Rosalin 0, Talampas 0, Dela Cruz 0, Domingo 0, Flores 0
Quarterscores: 19-15, 35-35, 57-55, 82-68
Second Game:
NU 91 – Galinato 15, Enriquez 10, Figueroa 10, Malonzo 9, Diassana 8, Yu 8, Casinillo 7, Parks 7, Palacielo 6, Manansala 5, Padrones 4, Gulapa 2, Lim 0, Abiera 0
UE 69 – Remogat 31, Langit 11, Robles 10, Rosete 4, Maga 4, Soriano 4, Maxie 3, Palaroan 2, Gilbuena 0, Tomas 0, Manalang 0, Lingo-Lingo 0, Maglupay 0, de Leon 0
Quarterscores: 20-20, 48-33, 66-51, 91-69
Third Game:
La Salle 105 – Quiambao 17, Policarpio 13, B Phillips 12, Nwankwo 12, Nonoy 10, Cortez 7, Escandor 6, Abadam 6, David 5, Gollena 5, M Phillips 4, Estacio 3, Manuel 3, Buensalida 2, Melencio 0
FAITH 60 – JM Torrato 15, De Castro 14, Amparo 5, Millares 5, JG Torrato 5, Fernado 4, Dimawala 4, Villamor 4, Llamado 2, Navarez 2, Laylo 0, Herilla 0, Paguio 0
Quarterscores: 33-13, 67-32, 86-41, 105-60
Fourth Game:
UP 95 – Diouf 16, Alarcon 16, Cansino 14, Fortea 12, Lopez 11, Felicilda 5, Torres 5, Pablo 5, Torculas 5, Cagulangan 2, Gagate 2, Andre 2, Belmonte 0, Abadiano 0, Briones 0
Ateneo 70 – Obasa 13, Amos 9, Credo 8, Ballungay 7, Padrigao 7, Brown 6, Chiu 6, Quitevis 3, Gomez 3, Tuano 3, Bongo 3, Lazaro 2, Garcia 0, Nieto 0
Quarterscores: 26-10, 47-28, 72-48, 95-70
