Welcome to the Sean Chambers era.
For the second time this season, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws unraveled a no-quit character as they came from behind to turn back University of the East in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup.
The Tamaraws ignited a 16-3 run down the stretch to eke out a come-from-behind victory against the Warriors as rookies Veejay Pre and Janrey Pasaol stepped up, propelling their team to a 2-0 record.
Pre came away with 22 points while Pasaol contributed 13.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran rallied past College of St. Benilde, 80-71, for its first win under new coach Allen Ricardo.
Jimboy Estrada pumped in 19 points and six rebounds and hit the midrange jumper that capped off the Knights’ 12-2 blast down the stretch to finally notch a mark on the win column after three tries 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.
“Kailangan yung maturity namin during the game, ma-handle namin especially down the wire. Yun yung importante sa ngayong laro and thankful (kami) na-close namin yung game on a winning note,” said interim coach Allen Ricardo, who led the Squires to back-to-back titles before moving up to the seniors division.
Pao Javillonar also contributed 12 points and five rebounds, while Kobe Monje and Deo Cuajo registered 12 and 11 points, respectively.
On the other hand, Allen Liwag had a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, as Cajucom scored 13 markers for the debuting Blazers.
Earlier, Mac Guadaña’s hot shooting lifted Lyceum of the Philippines University to a 94-89 breakthrough triumph over San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
The do-it-all guard finished with a stellar 29 points on 60 percent shooting from distance, along with eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals. Gyle Montaño and John Barba also punched in 16 and 13 markers, respectively, for the Pirates who quelled a 22-point late push by the Golden Stags en route to a 1-2 standing.
Rafael Are poured in 19 points on top of two rebounds and two steals in the Golden Stags’ first outing, while Ralph Gabat and Tristan Felebrico added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
In another NCAA matchup, the University of Perpetual Help downed undermanned Mapua University, 76-67, on the back of Mark Gojo Cruz’s 15-point performance.
Gojo Cruz also tallied four rebounds and four assists and was backed up by JP Boral, who chipped in 12 markers and two boards in the Altas’ 3-0 start to the preseason showcase also supported by Tela.com Athletics as official outfitter and Molten as official game ball, as well as minor sponsors Reyes Barbecue, KFC, Brothers Burger, Wallem Philippines Shipping, Harbor Star Shipping Services, Akari, and KantiGo Sports.
With the absence of NCAA Season 99 MVP Clint Escamis, John Jabonete stepped into the spotlight for the Cardinals (1-1) with 19 points and six rebounds, while Wello Lingolingo top-scored with 18 points for the Red Warriors who sport the same slate.
The Filoil Preseason is broadcast live on the Filoil EcoOil Sports Facebook page and YouTube channels, as well as on Smart Sports, Puso Pilipinas, and Smart Livestream.
