De La Salle University flexed its depth in a dominant 65-47 victory over Adamson University to open the Playtime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup in San Juan, Sunday.
The Soaring Falcons held a slim 29-27 lead at halftime, powered by rookie sharpshooter Earl Medina’s 11-point outburst.
But the second half told a different story, as the Green Archers tightened their defensive screws and limited Adamson to just 18 points the rest of the way.
La Salle exploded with an 18-7 run to open the third quarter, overturning their deficit and setting the tone for the remainder of the game.
The run was punctuated by back-to-back triples from veteran Earl Abadam and transferee Jacob Cortez.
Overall, the Green Archers outscored the Falcons, 38-18, in the second half.
Abadam finished with nine points, while Cortez added eight markers and five rebounds.
Kean Baclaan, now eligible after completing his one-year residency, chipped in an all-around stat line of 12 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals.
“They really worked together. A lot of questions were raised when we both took them, sabi kulang daw yung bola. They proved them wrong,” said head coach Topex Robinson, referring to the additions of Baclaan and Cortez.
New team captain Mike Phillips also stepped up in the post-Kevin Quiambao era, finishing with seven points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and three steals to lead the way in La Salle’s balanced attack.
On the other end, Medina led the Falcons with 14 points in the absence of Mathew Montebon, while Austin Ronzone added 11 markers.
Letran, Benilde carve out close wins in NCAA bracket
Over in the NCAA bracket, Letran and Benilde took early leads in the tournament, which is supported by major sponsors Playtime Cares, Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Bostik El Heneral, Jiang Nan Hotpot, Smart, and Puso Pilipinas, along with minor sponsors Harbor Star, Wallem, Akari, BDO, Tela.com Athletics, Reyes Barbecue, and Brothers Burger.
(C) Filoil
Despite trailing for most of the game, the Knights pulled off a late rally to stun Arellano, 72-68, behind the clutch heroics of rookie Jonathan Manalili.
Down by seven entering the final frame, the Knights battled back and tied the game with three and a half minutes remaining. From there, it was all Manalili, who scored the final six points — including a cold-blooded corner triple and clutch free throws — to seal the win.
The first-year guard finished with 21 points, seven assists, and three steals. Jun Roque added 14 points for the Knights, though he struggled with his efficiency, shooting just 6-of-20 from the field.
(C) Filoil
Meanwhile, the Blazers eked out a narrow 58-56 win over Mapua to jumpstart their campaign on a high note.
Reigning NCAA MVP Allen Liwag delivered in crunch time, converting an and-one layup inside the final two minutes that proved to be the game-winner. He tallied 11 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the win.
Ivan Lazarte and Clint Escamis led the Cardinals with 17 and 15 points, respectively. In a losing effort for Arellano, Anjord Cabotaje contributed 13 points, while T-Mc Ongotan notched a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The Scores:
First Game:
CSJL 72 – Manalili 21, Roque 14, Buensalida 9, Omega 8, Cuajao 8, Silorio 5, Tapenio 4, Rosilio 2, Yusi 1, Nunag 0, Santos 0, Montecillo 0, Muyuela 0, Estil 0, Baliling 0.
AU 68 – Cabotaje 13, Ongotan 11, Abiera 10, Vinoya 10, Valencia 6, Hemal 5, Miller 4, Borromeo 3, Geronimo 2, Langit 2, Anama 2, Camay 0, Buenaventura 0, Demetria 0, Libang 0.
Quarterscores: 24-25, 38-44, 53-60, 72-68
Second Game:
CSB 58 – Liwag 11, Oli 6, Ondoa 6, Umali 6, Gaspay 5, Galas 4, Cajucom 4, Torres 3, Sanchez 3, Gonzaga 3, Celis 3, Ancheta 2, Moore 2, Jalalon 0, Daja 0, Eusebio 0.
MU 56 – Lazarte 17, Escamis 12, Gonzales 7, Delos Reyes 6, Abdulla 5, Concepcion 4, Sapasap 3, Recto 2, Igliane 0, Agemenyi 0, Cuenco 0, Pantaleon 0, Ryan 0, Gulapa 0, Nitura 0.
Quarterscores: 16-19, 32-36, 47-41, 58-56
Third Game
La Salle 65 – Baclaan 12, Abadam 9, Cortez 8, Amos 8, Philips 7, Macalalag 6, Marasigan 5, Daep 4, Gollena 3, Pablo 2, Dungo 1, Zamora 0, Sarmiento 0, Dagdag 0, Nwankwo 0, Alian 0.
Adamson 47 – Medina 14, Ronzone 11, Manzano 8, Torres 5, Ojarikre 4, Sajili 3, Abayon 2, Jaymalin 0, Anabo 0, Cañete 0, Tumaneng 0, Sicat 0.
Quarterscores: 15-19, 27-29, 48-39, 65-47
