The University of the Philippines weathered a late storm brought by University of Santo Tomas for a nail-biting 76-73 victory, Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan that sent them streaking to start their Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup title defense.
Already down by 12, 58-70, inside the last four and a half minutes, the Growling Tigers went on a 15-4 tear capped by Forthsky Padrigao’s booming triple to claw to within one, 74-73, with 3.5 ticks on the clock.
However, Gerry Abadiano coolly converted his couple of charities to give the Fighting Maroons a more comfortable three-point margin.
Off a timeout, UST still had enough time to make something happen, only to see Christian Manaytay fumble the ball and allow UP to escape with their second straight win 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.
Abadiano wound up with 13 points, while JD Cagulangan uncorked 18 markers on top of eight assists and two steals and Francis Lopez provided a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double.
“Importante lang para sa akin right now is maging respondent ka sa huli,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde. “Having these kinds of challenges early would make us better.”
The Growling Tigers were then paced by Leland Estacio with 16 points, as Padrigao finished with 13 markers, six assists, three rebounds, and two steals and Hinda Tounkara pounded in 16 points and 13 boards.
They dropped to 0-2, but not before putting up a fight against UAAP Season 86 finalists De La Salle University and UP in consecutive contests.
Bouncing back from their loss against Far Eastern University, University of the East bucked a slow start to eke out a 72-64 decision to spoil National University’s supposed coming out party.
Precious Momowei found no match and collected 27 points, 19 rebounds, and two blocks to carry the Red Warriors to a 1-3 standing, and was backstopped by Wello Lingolingo and John Abate who had 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
“Tumama yung talo namin against FEU. Imagine, we controlled that game last week, but all of a sudden we lost,” said UE tactician Jack Santiago.
The debuting Bulldogs, on the other hand, were spearheaded by PJ Palacielo who listed 14 points to his name.
It was a different story for Emilio Aguinaldo College which leaned on a furious fourth quarter against San Beda University to come onto the scene in style, 76-67.
Nico Quinal showed the way for the Generals with 15 points and two steals, as Axel Doromal and King Gurtiza flanked him with 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
RC Calimag was the lone Red Lion in double-digits with 11 points, as they absorbed their first loss in three games in 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.
Meanwhile, Basti Valencia’s 30-point outing powered Arellano University right through San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 105-95. Valencia also added six boards, two assists, and two steals, while Renzo Abiera chimed in 18 markers for the Chiefs who are off to a surprising start at 2-0.
Also in the NCAA Group, College of St. Benilde finally barged into the win column after three tries after downing familiar foe Mapua University, 72-59, behind Mowell Morales and Jhommel Ancheta merging for 21 points.
