University of the Philippines fought off a gutsy Ateneo de Manila University in the much-anticipated Battle of Katipunan in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup, earning a well-deserved 82-75 win on Saturday in San Juan.
“Pag maganda ‘yung tema ng laro and nakukuha namin ‘yung gusto namin, okay ako kahit anong outcome ng numbers ko,” said JD Cagulangan, who led the Fighting Maroons with 16 points and two assists.
Contributions from Dikachi Ududo (15 points, four rebounds) and Aldous Torculas (14 points, 10 rebounds) helped extend UP’s unbeaten start in the tournament, co-presented by Bostik El Heneral and ABC Tile Adhesive, with Smart Sports, Strong Group Athletics, and Hanes as major sponsors.
With a 6-0 record, State U has already assured itself of the top seed for the crossover quarterfinals.
After a 68-all deadlock at the 5:47 mark of the final frame, UP went on a 10-0 run led by Harold Alarcon and Francis Lopez, digging a hole the Blue Eagles couldn’t climb out of.
Andrew Bongo scored 16 points and grabbed five rebounds for still-winless Ateneo.
Meanwhile, Shaun Tuano and Mason Amos each added 16 and 14 points, respectively.
With an 0-5 record, Ateneo is already out of contention 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.
Meanwhile, University of the East remains in contention, riding Precious Momowei’s 15-point, 19-rebound double-double to a 66-60 victory over University of Santo Tomas, keeping its semifinals hopes alive with a 3-3 record.
Angelo Crisostomo scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds for the Growling Tigers, who fell to a 2-3 record. Nic Cabañero added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Peter Osang contributed 15 rebounds and three points.
Adamson University also advanced to the next round, defeating a slumping National University in a 57-53 overtime win.
Cedrick Manzano was the lone Soaring Falcon in double figures with 19 points and eight rebounds, securing their second win in five games.
On the other hand, the Bulldogs couldn’t sustain the momentum from their breakthrough win, dropping to a 1-4 record despite Jolo Manansala’s 15 points and seven rebounds and Jake Figueroa’s 12 points and two assists.
In the NCAA bracket, College of Saint Benilde remained atop the standings with a 5-1 record, while Lyceum of the Philippines University improved to 2-6 after separate impressive wins.
The Blazers narrowly escaped the San Beda Red Lions with a 71-69 victory, led by Allen Liwag’s 14 points and nine rebounds, and Tony Ynot’s 10 points and four rebounds.
The Pirates secured their second win against the Arellano Chiefs, 88-82, with Simon Peñafiel leading the attack with 26 points and two rebounds.
Renzo Abiera’s 32 points and four rebounds were in vain for the Chiefs, who fell to a 3-4 record, while Nygel Gonzales led the Red Lions with 18 points and two rebounds, resulting in a three-way tie with Mapua University and University of Perpetual Help at 4-3.
