DE LA SALLE University aced the tough test put up by St. Clare College of Caloocan for a 83-74 decision, Thursday at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan to sweep its Group II assignments in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
The battle between the top two teams in their group lived up to the billing, as they were tied at 62-all early in the final frame until the Green Archers uncorked eight unanswered points for a 70-62 lead with under six minutes to go.
The Saints, however, kept coming and closed to just down two, 72-74, with 2:34 remaining before Jonnel Policarpio’s five straight points fronted a 9-2 finishing kick for La Salle.
“They made the right stops in the end. St. Clare gave us a good fight, but thankfully, they played together in the end,” said head coach Topex Robinson, who still made an appearance in the post-game interview even after getting ejected at the 3:11 mark of the third period after getting his second technical foul.
Policarpio wound up with nine points, while Mark Nonoy also added 22 points and Kevin Quiambao chipped in 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds in their ninth win in as many games. They wrapped up the top-seed out of Group II for the quarterfinals, while also sending the erstwhile second-running Saints to a virtual tie for the second spot.
“Sa amin, we always try to be the best version of ourselves. Winning is gonna be the byproduct of what we’re doing,” said Robinson, as they now await the start of the next round on June 16.
Megan Galang showed the way for 4-2 St. Clare with 17 points, including five threes, and they now turn their attention to crucial contests against National University, Ateneo de Manila University, and the University of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University spoiled Jerom Lastimosa’s return to Adamson University in the premiere preseason tournament supported by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten with a convincing 77-63 victory.
Cholo Anonuevo showed the way in the Tamaraws’ charge to a 3-3 standing in Group II with 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three steals, and was flanked by Janrey Pasaol’s 16 points, five assists, three steals, and two rebounds.
“Ilang games na rin kaming struggling kaya nag-usap-usap kaming kailangan nilang maging accountable,” said head coach Denok Miranda after their rude welcome for Lastimosa, who was in blue-and-white for the first time since winning a gold medal with Gilas Pilipinas Men in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
The graduating guard actually steered the Soaring Falcons to an 18-22 lead midway through the second quarter before Anonuevo scored four points in a 12-1 run that took away a 30-23 edge for FEU right before halftime.
It was Anonuevo who again answered the call when Adamson last threatened at 47-50 late in the third quarter, with his trey igniting an 8-0 rush that re-established a 58-47 Tamaraw advantage. That double-digit margin would stand strong en route to their third win in the last four games.
“Lagi kaming strong start ta’s bumibigay e, pero napakita nila yung character naming ‘di naggi-give up ngayong game,” said Miranda.
Lastimosa topped the scoring column for Adamson with 12 points and three rebounds, as they dropped to 3-4.
Lyceum of the Philippines kept pace in the Group I quarterfinals race as well after routing Emilio Aguinaldo College by 34 points, 102-78.
Red-hot Jae Omandac fired 31 points built on nine triples on top of five rebounds, four assists, and three steals to shoot the Pirates to their fourth consecutive victory and fifth overall in seven games. Enoch Valdez then contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals as they remained entrenched in the four-team logjam at the second spot.
“I always remind the players na yung mga opportunity na dumadating, you have to grab it. Wag nilang sasayangin,” said head coach Gilbert Malabanan. “Tulad ng last season, ngayon, gusto kong unpredictable kami. ‘Di mo alam kung sinong puputok para sa’min.”
In another NCAA contest in Group I, San Beda University piled onto the misery of winless Arellano University, 78-65.
Bryan Sajonia got 17 points and six rebounds, Richi Calimag gathered 14 points and three rebounds, and the Red Lions roared back into the win column now at 3-4.
“Yung growth and development talaga yung priority namin here. Yung results, of course we want to win, that’ll just follow,” said assistant coach Andrei Santos, filling in for Yuri Escueta.
The 2-4 Generals were paced by 11 points from Brianne Angeles, while the 0-7 Chiefs were bannered by 14 points and six rebounds from Jade Talampas.
