Adamson University finally entered the win column of the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup after spoiling Ateneo de Manila University’s debut, 61-59, Friday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Cedrick Manzano spearheaded the Soaring Falcons with a double-double of 12 points and 10 boards while Manu Anabo backed him up with 10 markers and three boards.
“Sa amin, as much as we can, we give them exposure, we give them minutes,” coach Nash Racela said, referring to his rebuilding Adamson squad looking to move forward from the Jerom Lastimosa era.
With the Blue Eagles in the driver’s seat through the first three quarters, the Soaring Falcons battled back in the final canto where they sparked an 8-0 blitz to knot the score at 50-all. The two teams then traded baskets before Manzano’s layup in the dying seconds sealed the deal.
Fronting the effort for Ateneo was Chris Koon who registered an 18-marker, 12-rebounds double-double laced with three assists. Shaun Tuaño also added 13 as they stumbled out the gates of the tournament co-presented by Bostik El Heneral and ABC Tile Adhesive, and has Smart Sports, Strong Group Athletics, and Hanes as major sponsors.
In the rematch of the NCAA Season 99 Finals, Mapua University exacted revenge on San Beda University, 67-64, to bounce back into the win column.
NCAA MVP Clint Escamis continued to shine bright for the 2-2 Cardinals with 19 points, five steals, and four rebounds followed by Jeco Bancale who registered 10.
James Payosing tallied 11 points, two rebounds, and one assist in his first game back, while Jomel Puno notched 10 markers in the Red Lions’ second straight loss following a 2-0 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.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines leaned on a stirring second half to put away University of the East, 71-60, and keep its slate clean through three tries in the UAAP bracket with Gerry Abadiano securing 21 points on top of five boards, while getting ample help from Francis Lopez (12) and Mark Belmonte (9).
Despite the loss that dropped them to 2-2, Princess Momowei logged a double-double performance of 14 points and 14 boards, while Wello Lingolingo supported him with 11 markers and six boards.
Nico Quinal unfurled 19 markers including two crucial daggers in the final frame to help Emilio Aguinaldo College stay flawless in the NCAA bracket with an 80-77 escape against Arellano University.
Quinal also had four rebounds and was followed by King Gurtiza who had 11 markers of his own. On the other hand, Lorenz Capulong provided 16 points and seven boards for the Chiefs who suffered their first setback in three games.
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.
