A near scuffle overshadowed the University of the Philippines’ 70-55 win over San Beda University in Group Edge of the 2023 Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup on Sunday at Emilio Aguinaldo College Gym.
With eight minutes left in the game and the Fighting Maroons up 60-40, Bryan Sajonia was about to rebound a Bismarck Lina miss. Off the box out, Francis Lopez and Luis Pablo collided with him, resulting in a confrontation.
Things were already getting heated between the two sides when San Beda rookie Kevin Pregrina accidentally elbowed Gerry Abadiano. No call was made.
As things cooled down, Sajonia was ejected while Lopez or Pablo were not penalized.
Lopez led the way for the 4-0 Fighting Maroons with 14 points, along with two rebounds and an assist. Harold Alarcon supported Lopez with 13 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.
Mark Belmonte and Janjan Felicilda contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively, while Chicco Briones led the team in rebounds with 11, along with four points.
On the other hand, only two Red Lions scored in double digits, with Bismarck Lina providing 15 points and five rebounds. Emman Tagle scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
San Beda dropped to 1-3.
In the second Group Edge game, Tony Ynot had a brilliant College St. Benilde debut, handing Far Eastern University its second straight loss with a score of 77-66.
Ynot contributed 12 points, four rebounds, four steals, and three assists in his first game for the Blazers. Anton Eusebio continued his string of outstanding performances, scoring 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals.
Dwyne Miranda was the lone Tamaraw to score in double digits, with 13 points, six rebounds, and an assist. Chiolo Annonuevo also contributed nine points, five rebounds, and four assists for the losing team.
CSB improved to an even 2-2, securing the third spot, while FEU now has a 2-3 win-loss record.
Also in Group Edge, Emilio Aguinaldo College stunned Adamson University, 68-51, to secure its third straight win and remain on top of the group.
Nat Cosejo led the charge for EAC with 10 points, three rebounds, and one assist.
Kriss Gurtiza contributed nine points, two assists, a rebound, and a steal as EAC went up to 5-1.
Dave Ednilag and JP Maguliano led the Generals in rebounds with seven apiece.
On the other hand, Eli Ramos led Adamson with 12 points, three rebounds, two steals, and an assist, while incoming freshman Peter Rosillo scored 10 points and added an assist.
The Soaring Falcons fell to 1-2.
