CARL TAMAYO lifted University of the Philippines (UP) to a dominant 83-59 blowout of Mapua to start the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Saturday at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Gilas Pilipinas forward was once again at his best for the Fighting Maroons as he tallied an impressive 16-point and 16-rebound double-double to anchor the Diliman side to its first win in Group A.
Tamayo, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 84 Rookie of the Year, ignited UP’s 26-point third-quarter breakaway as he had eight in that canto alone to give his side the 57-46 lead entering the payoff period, which further grew to 26 points, 79-53, in the last 2:24.
“Our focus lang is on how we can improve as a team,” Fighting Maroons coach Goldwin Monteverde said. “Whatever lapses na nagawa namin sa first half, pinag-usapan lang namin at nag-adjust sila. ‘Yun naman ang goal namin every time, on learning how we can adjust during games.”
Gerry Abadiano chipped in 13 points, seven boards, and three assists, while CJ Catapusan had nine points and four rebounds in the opening day win.