Gerry Abadiano came alive in the fourth quarter to lift University of the Philippines to an 82–74 win over National University in the opening game of the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive on Monday in San Juan.
The fifth-year guard erupted for 13 of his 16 points in the final frame, leading the Fighting Maroons’ late-game surge to fend off a gritty Bulldogs squad and notch their first victory in the premier preseason tournament.
Nigerian center Francis Nnoruka made a strong debut for the Maroons with 12 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, prized transferee Rey Remogat impressed in his first outing in maroon and green, contributing 12 points, four assists, and two rebounds.
“Coach Gold [Monteverde] wanted to give exposure to everyone. As a whole, the team really picked up in terms of having each other’s backs,” said UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon.
(C) Filoil
PJ Palacielo carried the fight for NU with 20 points, while Paul Francisco added 13.
The Bulldogs slipped to 0–2 in the tournament backed by major sponsors PlayTime Cares, Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Bostik El Heneral, Jiang Nan Hotpot, Lamtex Pipes, Smart, and Puso Pilipinas; and minor sponsors Harbor Star, Wallem, Akari, BDO, Tela.com Athletics, Nature’s Spring, Reyes Barbecue, and Brothers Burger.
Over in the NCAA bracket, Jose Rizal University gave new head coach Nani Epondulan his first victory after pulling off a 70–59 triumph over fellow debutant San Sebastian.
Sanlea Peñaverde was sensational in his first game as a Heavy Bomber, finishing with 19 points to lead JRU’s balanced attack.
Paeng Are and Thomas Pillado paced the Golden Stags with 11 points apiece, but it wasn’t enough to spoil Epondulan’s coaching debut.
Meanwhile, College of St. Benilde seized early leadership in the NCAA group after demolishing Perpetual Help, 92–72, to improve to 3–0.
Shawn Umali continued to shine with 17 points and five rebounds, while Mowell Morales chipped in 12 markers for the Blazers.
Patrick Sleat led the Altas with 16 points in the loss.
Letran also picked up its second win of the tournament with a dominant 89–69 rout of Lyceum, thanks to a strong team effort.
Aaron Buensalida nearly posted a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Jimboy Estrada and Syrex Silorio added 12 points each.
Simon Peñafiel led the Pirates with 13 points in a losing effort as Lyceum fell to 0–2.
The Scores:
First Game:
CSJL 89 – Buensalida 16, Silorio 12, Estrada 12, Rosillo 10, Santos 8, Omega 8, Estil 8, Manalili 6, Yusi 5, Tapenio 2, Roque 2, Muyuela 0, Cuajao 0, Yong 0, Baliling 0.
LPU 69 – Peñafiel 13, Versoza 10, Bravo 9, Moralejo 9, Villegas 8, Daileg 7, Barba 6, Casiño 4, Caduyac 3, Reyes 0, Panelo 0, Aurigue 0, Fuentes 0, Matienzo 0.
Quarterscores: 18-12, 42-32, 64-47, 89-69.
Second Game:
JRU 70 – Peñaverde 19, Lozano 17, Argente 10, Garupil 6, Herrera 5, Panapanaan 4, Sarmiento 4, Castillo 3, Benitez 2, Pangilinan 0, Esguerra 0.
SSCR 59 – Are 11, Pillado 11, Nepacena 10, Gabat 8, Felebrico 6, Gomez De Liaño 4, Castor 4, Pascual 3, Ricio 2, Acosta 0, Lumanag 0, Cabilla 0.
Quarterscores: 18-13, 35-26, 51-45, 70-59.
Third Game:
UP 82 – Abadiano 16, Nnoruka 12, Remogat 12, Gagate 8, Bayla 8, Alarcon 5, Briones 5, Fortea 5, Stevens 4, Belmonte 3, Torres 2, Yniguez 2, Felicilda 0, Andres 0, Alter 0, Coronel 0.
NU 74 – Palacielo 20, Francisco 13, Figueroa 12, Jumamoy 9, Enriquez 7, John 4, Parks 3, Manansala 2, Tulabut 2, Padrones 2, Navarro 0.
Quarterscores: 24-12, 44-31, 66-60, 82-74.
Fourth Game:
CSB 92 – Umali 17, Morales 12, Sanchez 11, Cajucom 10, Ancheta 9, Moore 8, Liwag 7, Gaspay 7, Celis 6, Jalalon 3, Cometa 2, Torres 0, Ondoa 0, Daja 0.
UPHSD 72 – Sleat 16, Casinillo 8, Nunez 8, Maglupay 7, Duremdes 7, Boral 7, Gojo Cruz 5, Abis 5, Alcantara 3, Orgo 2, Tulabut 2, Pizarro 1, Gelsano 1, Magdangal 0, Guibao 0.
Quarterscores: 17-21, 36-40, 67-59, 92-72.
