Veejay Pre made a triumphant debut for University of the Philippines, helping the defending UAAP champions cruise past NCAA titleholder Mapua University, 91–76, in the 2025 Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup on Tuesday at the Enderun Colleges Gym.
Pre, the first-ever UAAP Rookie of the Year to transfer to another UAAP school after earning the award, posted 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting along with five rebounds in just 22 minutes of play.
The 6-foot-5 Kapampangan is part of UP’s second team, as the Fighting Maroons opted to field two separate squads for the tournament.
It was a dominant showing from the Maroons, who overwhelmed the Cardinals with their depth and offensive firepower.
“The thing about us is that we’re not focused on the pressure — we’re focused on the learning experience. We want our players to face the best talent possible and see how they react in those situations. Because when the UAAP comes, they need to be ready to face tough opponents,” said Fighting Maroons assistant coach Ryan Alba.
Noy Remogat led UP with 17 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals, outplaying former NCAA MVP Clint Escamis, who managed 16 points and four assists but also committed four turnovers.
Francis Nnoruka and Miguel Yniguez added 12 points apiece, with Nnoruka also hauling down seven rebounds.
Jacob Bayla contributed 12 points as well, going a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line.
“It’s all about understanding individual roles. We want everyone to focus on the common goal — which is to win. Everything else will follow,” Alba added.
With the win, UP 2 extended its winning streak to five and improved to a 5–1 record, while Mapua dropped to 1–2.
Former Fighting Maroon Cyril Gonzales paced the Cardinals with 22 points, while former UST Growling Tiger Ivan Lazarte chipped in 12.
#WATCH: WHAT’S UP, PRE? 👀
Veejay makes his UP Fighting Maroons debut against Mapua in the #Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup! 🏀 pic.twitter.com/cOWVfxW9iI
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 27, 2025
