After four intense crossover quarterfinal matchups in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup, three UAAP teams – Far Eastern University, University of the Philippines, and De La Salle University – are advancing, while Colegio de San Juan de Letran was the lone NCAA team to reach the next round.
In a thrilling finish, Jorick Bautista drained a buzzer-beating triple that propelled FEU into the semifinals as they rallied against College of St. Benilde, 74-73, on Saturday in San Juan.
With less than three seconds remaining, Bautista – who had only made one of his 10 attempts from the field – was found wide open by Jedrick Daa and punctuated the Tamaraws’ comeback win.
“Sabi ng mga teammates ko, keep going lang kahit hindi ako maka-shoot. Kasi good shot naman yung tinitira and kunin ko lang yung lakas ko sa depensa which is yun yung ginawa ko,” said Bautista.
“Thank you sa mga coaching staff na naniwala pa rin sa akin kahit na nag-struggle ako,” he added.
The rookie duo of Veejay Pre and Janrey Pasaol came up big, combining for 39 points to help FEU advance in head coach Sean Chambers’ first year at the helm.
(c) Filoil
Facing off against the Tamaraws is University of the Philippines, which dominated Mapua University, 94-75, for their eighth straight win in as many games in their title defense in the preseason tournament co-presented by Bostik El Heneral and ABC Tile Adhesive, with Smart Sports, Strong Group Athletics, and Hanes as major sponsors.
“In a game like this, it’s important yung consistency na yun would apply to every quarter, every play, and every half. So we wanna value each possession offensively and defensively, we wanna make sure that if they make a basket, we wanna make it as hard as possible for them,” said assistant coach Christian Luanzon.
Francis Lopez racked up 16 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Nigerian rookie Dikachi Udodo contributed 15 points and five boards.
Jhommel Ancheta and Tony Ynot led the Blazers with 20 and 16 points, respectively, while Clint Escamis finished with 21 points and five assists for the Cardinals.
(c) Filoil
In the other bracket, De La Salle University dominated age-old rival San Beda University, 94-80, behind Kevin Quiambao’s 15-point, seven-rebound performance.
“They know that these are the defending NCAA champions. We gave everybody a reminder that if you mess around with these champions, they’re gonna hurt you. So we just stick to what works for us and the players just responded,” said mentor Topex Robinson.
Raven Cortez and Doy Dungo supported Quiambao with 12 points each, as they bounced back from an eliminations-ending loss in the preseason showcase, also supported by Tela.com Athletics as official outfitter and Molten as official game ball, along with minor sponsors Reyes Barbecue, KFC, Brothers Burger, Wallem Philippines Shipping, Harbor Star Shipping Services, Akari, Jiang Nan Hotpot, and KantiGo Sports.
Awaiting the Green Archers is another longtime fierce foe in Letran, which gutted out a thrilling 70-66 triumph over University of the East.
“Well, No. 1, sabi ko lang, this is the best opportunity for you guys, so make the most out of it. Ang habol naman natin dito is matuto coming into the season,” said newly-appointed coach Allen Ricardo.
Squires standout Titing Manalili caught fire with 19 points, four rebounds, and five assists, including the game-tying three-pointer down the stretch. Deo Cuajao and Edzel Galoy also contributed 22 and 10 points, respectively, for the Knights.
John Abate led the Red Warriors with 14 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Bryan Sajonia top-scored for the Red Lions with 15 points.
The Scores:
QF 1
Letran 70 – Cuajao 22, Manalili 19, Galoy 10, Go 4, Nunag 4, Dimaano 3, Baliling 3, Montecillo 2, Pradela 2, Jumao-As 1.
UE 66 – Abate 14, Maga 13, Momowei 10, Galang 9, Mulingtapang 6, Spandonis 6, Cruz-Dumont 4, Lingolingo 3, Robles 1, Niric 0, Malaga 0,
Quarterscores: 20-23, 36-44, 55-58, 70-66
QF 2
FEU 74 – Pre 20, Pasaol 19, Konateh 15, Daa 6, Bautista 5, Alforque 4, Godinez 3, Ona 2, Bagunu 0, Felipe 0, Montemayor 0.
Benilde 73 – Ancheta 20, Ynot 16, Liwag 10, Morales 7, Torres 7, Turco 4, Sangco 3, Cometa 2, Ondoa 2, Eusebio 2, Cajucom 0,
Quarterscores: 21-21, 36-41, 50-53, 74-73
QF 3
UP 94 – Lopez 16, Udodo 15, Torculas 13, Briones 10, Alter 8, Abadiano 7, Cagulangan 7, Alarcon 6, Stevens 6, Bayla 4, Belmonte 2, Torres 0, Walker 0,
Mapua 75 – Escamis 21, Fermin 12, Recto 11, Cuenco 5, Bancale 5, Hubilla 5, Mangubat 5, Jabonete 4, Abdulla 4, Pabilona 2, Concepcion 1, Igliane 0, Pantaleon 0,.
Quarterscores: 18-12, 44-27, 70-48, 94-75
QF 4
DLSU 94 – Quiambao 15, Cortez 12, Dungo 12, Austria 11, Abadam 10, Marasigan 8, Macalalag 6, Agunanne 5, Policarpio 4, Ramiro 4, Buenaventura 3, Rubico 2, Romero 2, Gaspay 0,
San Beda 80 – Sajonia 15, Payosing 10, Andrada 10, Jalbuena 10, Tagle 9, Calimag 9, Bonzalida 8, Gonzales 3, Estacio 2, Hawkins 2, Celzo 2, R. Calimag 0, Tagala 0, Torres 0, Royo 0.
Quarterscores: 31-25, 56-39, 83-59, 94-80
