Anton Eusebio faced his former school, University of the Philippines, on Sunday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gymnasium.
However, Eusebio’s desire for victory went unfulfilled. Instead, the Fighting Maroons triumphed over the College of St. Benilde, 95-86, advancing to a 2-0 record in Group Edge of the 2023 Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup.
Despite the loss, Eusebio, who recently transferred to the Blazers, delivered an impressive performance. He contributed 14 points, shooting 5-of-7 from two-point range, along with five rebounds and two steals. This marked his first game as a Blazer.
However, the revamped Benilde team was overpowered by UP’s offensive arsenal. Francis Lopez led the way for the Fighting Maroons with 23 points, shooting 10-of-14 from the field. He also grabbed five rebounds, dished out two assists, and recorded a steal and a block.
Mark Belmonte provided support with 15 points, six rebounds, and two steals, while CJ Cansino contributed 11 points and eight rebounds. Harold Alarcon nearly achieved a triple-double with 10 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists for UP.
Despite struggling at the free-throw line, shooting only 19-of-31, the Fighting Maroons still managed to secure the victory.
For CSB, Ralph Baliquig led the scoring with 22 points, three rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Meanwhile, Allen Liwag recorded a double-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. Jhomel Ancheta added 16 points for the 0-2 Blazers.
In Group Prime action, Jearolan Omandac guided Lyceum of the Philippines to a dominant 82-61 victory over Jose Rizal University to even their slate at 2-2.
Omandac led the scoring for the Pirates with 19 points, along with a rebound and two assists. Gyle Montaño provided support with 12 points and three rebounds, while Genesis Aviles contributed 10 points, five rebounds, and a block.
Only two players from JRU, who dropped to 1-2, scored in double digits, with Vince Sarmiento and Patrick Ramos tallying 16 and 14 points, respectively.
In another Group Prime match, Guang Ming College secured its second win by upsetting Philippine Christian University with a 73-68 victory.
Kingsley Ududo delivered a double-double performance for GMC with 20 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, five blocks, and a steal. Jerover Cabilla contributed 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, and three steals for the Flying Dragons.
Meanwhile, Kurt Lactaotao nearly achieved a double-double with eight points, 10 rebounds, and a steal.
Yanick Tizie was the sole double-digit scorer for the Dolphins, registering 24 points, seven rebounds, an assist, and four blocks.
With the win, GMC is now tied with Lyceum at 2-2. On the other hand, PCU remains winless with a 0-4 record.
The Scores:
First Game:
Lyceum 82 — Omandac 19, Montano 12, Aviles 10, Moralejo 7, Versoza 7, Montaño 12, Peñafiel 7, Garro 5, Barba 5, Bravo 4, Villegas 4, Allatica 2, Daileg 0, Caduyac 0.
JRU 61 — Sarmiento 16, Ramos 14, Pabico 8, Argente 5, Raymundo 4, Barera 4, Medina 4, Mercado 3, Bongay 2, Mosqueda 1, Benitez 0, Dela Rosa 0, Lu 0, Esguerra 0, Virk 0.
Quarterscores: 23-16, 46-30, 68-45, 82-61.
Second Game:
GMC 73 — Ududo 20, Cabilla 10, Lactaotao 8, Pecolera 7, Lozada 6, Jamias 4, Dumalagan 5, Janio 5, Pujeda 3, Caasalan 3, Ihebem 2.
PCU 68 — Tizie 24, Failon 9, Ramos 8, Antonio 8, Concepcion 7, Balvarin 6, Pallingayan 4, Faye 2, Obioha 0, Maraña 0, Dangiwan 0.
Quarterscores: 21-12, 35-31, 50-41, 73-68.
Third Game:
UP 95 — Lopez 23, Belmonte 15, Cansino 11, Alarcon 10, Abadiano 8, Torres 8, Briones 6, Gagate 5, Andres 4, Gonzales 4, Pablo 1, Andrews 0.
CSB 86 — Baliquig 22, Liwag 17, Ancheta 16, Eusebio 14, Turco 9, Arciaga 3, Publico 2, Marasigan 2, Dimaunahan 1, Sumabat 0, Mara 0, Vanguardia 0,
Quarterscores: 24-19, 45-39, 73-66, 95-86.
