Nigerian big Peter Osang posted a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double in his Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup debut as University of Santo Tomas pounded on Ateneo de Manila University, 63-52, Monday in San Juan’s Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Osang also had four points in the pivotal 14-2 push than turned a one-point, 47-46, edge early in the final frame into a 61-48 advantage with 3:26 to go. The Growling Tigers held on to the momentum en route to their second straight win that evened out their record to 2-2.
“We just keep on improving. ‘Yung chemistry, bini-build namin and then we’re testing our foreign student-athletes,” said UST tactician Pido Jarencio, as he went with Osang in lieu of Mo Tounkara who suited up in their first three games.
Lead guard Forthsky Padrigao didn’t do much scoring damage with just three points in his first meeting with his former team, but collected six assists, while Filipino-American Leland Estacio chimed in 11 markers and two rebounds.
“For me, hindi na ‘ko nag-focus sa kung sino ‘yung kalaban namin,” said Padrigao, who left Katipunan last year and then transferred to the Growling Tigers.
Andrew Bongo was the only Blue Eagle in double-digits (11) as they stumbled to 0-2 to start the tournament co-presented by Bostik El Heneral and ABC Tile Adhesive, and has Smart Sports, Strong Group Athletics, and Hanes as major sponsors.
Jose Rizal University and San Sebastian College-Recolectos then hacked out upsets against advantaged teams to pick up their first wins in four 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, Jiang Nan Hotpot, and KantiGo Sports.
Marj de Leon registered 17 points on top of nine boards, while Joshua Guiab had 12 markers with six boards, and four assists to pilot the Heavy Bombers through erstwhile unbeaten Emilio Aguinaldo College, 73-66.
On the other hand, a Christian Ricio trey lifted the Golden Stags to a 80-79 victory vs. NCAA Season 99 finalist Mapua University, putting the finishing touches on a 22-point and 21-marker performance, respectively, from Raymart Escobido and Tristan Felebrico.
For the now-3-1 Generals, King Gurtiza provided 14 points and three boards while getting ample help from Harvey Pagsanjan who unfurled 11.
Meanwhile, Arellano University climbed back to the win column and tied EAC in the standings after carving out a 68-65 triumph over University of Perpetual Help on the back of Lorenz Capulong and his 16 points.
With the loss, the Altas slid down to 3-2, even after Richard Movida’s 13 points and Christian Pagaran’s 11 markers. The Cardinals, meantime, dropped to 2-3, despite Yam Concepcion’s breakout game of 16 points and five rebounds.
The UAAP bracket remained ruled by the University of the Philippines thanks to JD Cagulangan and Francis Lopez who scattered 10 points apiece in their 73-63 decision against National University.
The Fighting Maroons rose to 4-0, including a win against UAAP Season 86 finals tormentor De La Salle University.
The still-winless Bulldogs were paced by Jolo Manansala and Jake Figueroa who each wound up with 10 points.
