University of Santo Tomas’ strong start and even stronger finish were more than enough to thwart University of the Philippines’ rally in the middle periods on Monday at the Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Fueled by a 16-0 blitz right after tip-off, the Growling Tigers secured a wire-to-wire 90-81 victory over the Fighting Maroons, getting back on track in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive.
Gelo Crisostomo continued to impress with 24 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while captain Nic Cabañero contributed 13 markers in UST’s return to form in this tournament backed by PlayTime Cares, Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Bostik El Heneral, Jiang Nan Hotpot, Lamtex Pipes, Smart, and Puso Pilipinas, and has Harbor Star, Wallem, Akari, BDO, Tela.com Athletics, Nature’s Spring, Reyes Barbecue, and Brothers Burger as minor sponsors.
(C) Mags Reyes
Crisostomo scored 13 points during the Tigers’ strong start before the Fighting Maroons fought back to narrow the gap to just five, 62-67, early in the final frame.
However, at that crucial moment, Cabañero and Forthsky Padrigao combined for 14 points to put an end to UP’s uprising once and for all.
“Of course, it’s a big deal for us, kasi siyempre, defending champion (sila). We’re just happy with the result and we’re happy na nandito na si captain Cabañero,” said assistant coach Japs Cuan, speaking on behalf of head coach Pido Jarencio.
(C) Mags Reyes
For UP, Nigerian center Francis Nnoruka led the charge with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Reyland Torres added 12 points.
Already missing injured Gerry Abadiano and Rey Remogat, the Fighting Maroons also lost Harold Alarcon to ejection with 47 seconds left. They suffered their second straight defeat and dropped to 2-2.
In the NCAA bracket, Letran returned to the winners’ circle, while Lyceum finally earned their first win in three tries.
The Knights weathered a second-half surge from Emilio Aguinaldo College, holding on for an 81-72 victory behind Jimboy Estrada’s 17 points.
Jun Roque also contributed 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals as 3-1 Letran maintained sole possession of second place, handing the 2-1 Generals their first loss.
Meanwhile, Gyle Montano led Lyceum past San Sebastian, 84-70, scoring 17 points including three triples.
JM Bravo added 12 points and nine rebounds as the Pirates kept the Golden Stags (0-4) winless.
The Scores:
First Game
LPU 84 — Montaño 17, Bravo 12, Casiño 11, Daileg 8, Panelo 7, Moralejo 6, Caduyac 6, Peñafiel 6, Villegas 6, Matienzo 2, Aurigue 2, Reyes 1, Paulo 1, Pallingayan 0, Fuentes 0
SSCR 70 — Gabat 12, Castor 11, Pillado 10, Lumanag 10, Are 8, Nepacena 7, Dimaunahan 6, Acosta 3, Felebrico 3, Ilagan 0, Ricio 0, Pascual 0, Cabilla 0, Gomez de Liaño 0, Buenaflor 0, Kitane 0
Quarterscores: 22-20, 44-37, 63-52, 84-70
Second Game
CSJL 81 — Estrada 17, Roque 15, Tapenio 10, Manalili 9, Santos 6, Omega 6, Rosilio 5, Buensalida 5, Yusi 5, Estil 3, Montecillo 0
EAC 72 — Castillo 23, Bagay 18, Omandac 13, Oftana 7, Loristo 3, Dominguez 2, Ochavo 2, Shanoda 2, Villarente 2, Tolentino 0, Quinal 0, Jacob 0, Postanes 0, Angeles 0, Doria 0
Quarterscores: 23-13, 55-30, 66-58, 81-72
Third Game
UST 90 — Crisostomo 24, Cabañero 13, Paranada 12, Acido 12, Osang 10, Padrigao 10, Llemit 7, Laure 2, Estacio 0, Calum 0, Alao 0, Danting 0, Bucsit 0, Buenaflor 0
UP 81 — Nnoruka 19, Torres 12, Alarcon 11, Yniguez 11, Stevens 10, Felicida 6, Alter 6, Bayla 3, Fortea 2, Gagate 1, Tan 0, Andres 0, Coronel 0, Briones 0
Quarterscores: 28-9, 48-33, 67-59, 90-81
