De La Salle University took out its frustrations from a loss to open the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup and tamed debuting University of Santo Tomas, 68-61, Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Henry Agunanne was a force down low with 12 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks, while Kevin Quiambao stuffed the stat sheet once more with 13 markers, eight boards, four assists, and three steals to make sure the UAAP kings evened out their record to 1-1.
The Green Archers were still struggling to get into their groove after a deflating loss to the University of the Philippines and were at the wrong end of a stellar 15-6 stand by the Growling Tigers in the third quarter. With the teams tied at 55-all inside the last nine minutes, however, Quiambao keyed a 13-6 push that let his side pull away for good.
Nic Cabanero, as always, showed the way for UST with 14 points and seven rebounds, as they just ran out of gas in the endgame. Forthsky Padrigao and Kyle Paranada merged for 11 markers, eight boards, and six assists in their official debuts in black and gold.
San Beda University then stayed spotless after sinking Lyceum of the Philippines University with an early barrage en route to a 76-66 win.
The Red Lions fell victim to the Pirates’ 8-0 surge in the first five minutes before the entry of their reserves energized them to a 15-2 run and a 17-10 lead after the opening period. Their advantage ballooned to as big as 24, 63-39, following a dominant 21-9 third quarter.
San Beda’s bench totaled 45 points, led by RC Calimag with 10, as Jommel Puno pounded in a 15-marker, 10-rebound double-double. The NCAA champions have now taken down archrival Colegio de San Juan de Letran and then playoff foe LPU in two consecutive contests.
LPU’s debut in the tournament co-presented by Bostik El Heneral and ABC Tile Adhesive, and has Smart Sports, Strong Group Athletics, and Hanes as major sponsors was fronted by John Barba (17 points) and Gyle Montano (15).
Conversely, Far Eastern University opened its Sean Chambers era with a 77-67 triumph over Adamson University.
Janrey Pasaol made his presence felt with 25 points, seven assists, and three rebounds and backcourt partner Jorick Bautista turned in 13 markers, three dimes, and three boards of his own, as the Tamaraws charged right out the gate in their first game under the tutelage of the legendary Alaska import.
The Soaring Falcons absorbed their second straight defeat even after an 11-point showing from Jhon Calisay.
Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help scored back-to-back wins, while also sending rejiggered Letran to 0-2 courtesy of a 77-69 decision.
Christian Pagaran waxed hot with 21 points on 61 percent shooting and was flanked by Axl Manuel and Emmanuel Pizarro who had 14 and 10 markers, respectively. The Altas suffocated the Knights’ new-look backcourt by forcing 21 turnovers they converted into 30 big points.
