De La Salle University and National University secured their spots in the crossover quarterfinals of the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive after posting separate victories on Thursday in San Juan.
The Green Archers defeated Gilas Pilipinas Youth, 97-76, while the Bulldogs rode a strong opening salvo to turn back the University of Santo Tomas, 90-74.
The victories improved both La Salle and NU to identical 4-1 records, enough to guarantee a top-four finish in the UAAP Group.
Earl Abadam and JC Macalalag paced the Green Archers with 14 points apiece as La Salle broke the game open with a 31-point fourth-quarter explosion.
Jacob Cortez added 12 points, nine assists, and five rebounds for the Green Archers.
Despite the setback, Gilas Pilipinas Boys continued to gain valuable experience as part of its buildup for the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup in August.
The national youth team recently ruled the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers. It is using the remainder of its Filoil campaign to sharpen its preparations for the continental tournament.
SEABA Qualifiers MVP Joaquin Tovera once again led the charge for Gilas with 16 points and three assists, while Patrick Pasinos chipped in 12 points and five rebounds.
Reinhard Jumamoy sustained his stellar form for NU, tallying 21 points and five assists while helping facilitate the growth of the Bulldogs’ young wings. Edson Serrano contributed 13 points, while rookie Kurl Figueroa added 10 points and six rebounds.
“Hopefully, maintindihan nila na itong three months to go before our season, ma-adapt nila kung ano yung mga kailangang gawin. Especially hindi naman kami talented enough para tapatan yung mga bigger programs,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa.
UST struggled to establish its usual rhythm, with leading scorer Gelo Crisostomo limited to six points. Nigerian big man Collins Akowe also found himself contained inside, grabbing just four rebounds despite finishing with 12 points.
The loss dropped the Growling Tigers to 2-3 and snapped their two-game winning streak.
In the NCAA Group, Emilio Aguinaldo College survived a late scare from College of Saint Benilde, escaping with a 96-93 victory.
Wilmar Oftana delivered in crunch time, knocking down the go-ahead three-pointer with 37.6 seconds remaining before sinking two free throws to give the Generals a three-point cushion.
The Blazers still had an opportunity to force overtime, but Matthew Jucom’s final attempt bounced off the back iron as time expired.
Oftana finished with 16 points and two steals, providing crucial support to EJ Castillo’s 22 points and three rebounds and Jude Bagay’s 14 points and four boards as EAC improved to 3-3.
Jucom paced CSB with 24 points built on four three-pointers in a losing effort as the Blazers slipped to 3-4.
Perpetual, meanwhile, bounced back with a convincing 77-58 victory over San Sebastian.
JD Pagulayan scored 11 points to lead a balanced Altas attack, with all but two of the 16 players fielded managing to score at least two points.
“Before the game kasi, we talked about purpose and effort. Feeling ko wala yun noong last game namin against EAC. And I think we did that today,” said Perpetual head coach Olsen Racela after his squad improved to 2-4.
“They played with a purpose, and we did multiple efforts right from the start. And everyone contributed. So yun ang kailangan namin eh, kailangan magbigay ng quality minutes lahat.”
Nurben Muktimar paced San Sebastian with 12 points, but the Golden Stags remained winless through five games.
The Scores:
First Game:
Emilio Aguinaldo 96 – Castillo 22, Oftana 16, Bagay 14, Nunag 11, M. Raymundo 10, Postanes 5, Coronel 4, Baniqued 3, Mundas 3, Shanoda 2, Ochavo 2, Sealey 2, Buen 2, Bonus 0, H. Raymundo 0, Namoro 0.
St. Benilde 93 – Jucom 24, Celis 18, Gonzaga 9, Sanchez 8, Ancheta 8, Jarque 6, Daja 5, Podador 4, Cajucom 4, Torres 3, Morales 2, Go 2, Arciaga 0, Baliquig 0, Ortega 0.
Quarterscores: 29-21, 49-43, 78-67, 96-93.
Second Game:
Perpetual 77 – Pagulayan 11, Gojo Cruz 10, Casinillo 9, Orgo 9, Cristino 6, Roluna 5, Duremdes 5, Borja 4, Maglupay 4, Gelsano 2, Caugiran 2, Montemayor 2, Tulabut 2, Thompson 0, Tabbuan 0.
San Sebastian 58 – Muktimar 12, Segovia 8, Acosta 8, Bacani 7, Gomez de Liaño 5, Ynot 3, Suico 3, Ricio 2, Barroga 2, Alforque 0, Kitane 0, Cuya 0, Salvo 0.
Quarterscores: 26-12, 42-25, 59-48, 77-58.
Third Game:
NU 90 – Jumamoy 21, Serrano 13, Figueroa 10, Laconsay 8, Miranda 7, Borjal 7, Palacielo 6, Alfanta 4, Francisco 4, Perciano 4, Cartel 3, Reyes 3, Gomez 0.
UST 74 – Buenaflor 14, Akowe 12, Esteban 12, Danting 10, Manding 7, Crisostomo 6, Calum 5, Cañete 4, Mara 4, Alao 0, Porter 0, Bucsit 0, J. Sevilla 0.
Quarterscores: 28-23, 52-43, 65-61, 90-74.
Fourth Game:
DLSU 97 – Abadam 14, Macalalag 14, Cortez 12, Marasigan 10, Amos 9, Dungo 9, Pablo 7, Gagate 6, Gollena 5, Daep 4, Cibull 3, Quines 2, Sarmiento 0.
Gilas U18 76 – Tovera 16, Pasinos 12, Sardon 9, Cariño 8, Chio 8, Patagoc 7, Razon 5, Lacson 4, Tubongbanua 4, Calo-oy 3, Espinas 0, Arsic 0, Moral 0.
Quarterscores: 27-22, 49-40, 66-56, 97-76.
