Three UAAP schools continue on in the 2024 FilOil EcoOil ECJ Preseason Cup.
Three of the four semifinalists in the 17th FilOil EcoOil ECJ Preseason Cup will be UAAP squads.
De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, Far Eastern University, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran advanced to the semifinals of the premier pre-season joust after beating their respective opponents on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
La Salle crushes San Beda
In a battle of UAAP and NCAA champions, the Green Archers simply outclassed the Red Lions for a dominating 94-80 victory.
After their loss against National University last Wednesday, La Salle, led by MVP Kevin Quiambao, vented its ire on San Beda as the Taft-based squad built a large double-digit lead in the second quarter.
The Green Archers led by as many as 26 points on JC Macalalag’s back-to-back three-pointers.
From there, DLSU cruised to a comfortable win, keeping San Beda at bay in the fourth quarter.
Andrei Dungo was hailed the Player of the Game with 12 points, one rebound, and two assists.
UP clobbers Mapua
The Fighting Maroons sealed their semifinal ticket in convincing fashion after crushing the Mapua Cardinals, 94-75.
UP distanced itself in the second quarter as a six-point lead to end the first ballooned to a 17-point lead by halftime.
The unbeaten Fighting Maroons continued to pile on the pressure to lead by as many as 23 points en route to their dominant victory.
Francis Lopez led the charge for the State U squad with 16 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Kingsley Udodo added 15 markers, while Sean Torculas added 13.
FEU stuns CSB
Jorick Bautista emerged as the hero for the Tamaraws, sinking the game-winning 3-pointer to propel FEU to a 74-73 victory over the College of Saint Benilde.
With FEU trailing 71-73 and just three seconds left following a Tony Ynot layup, Bautista received the inbound pass from far beyond the arc, faced the basket, and made the crucial shot as time expired, securing the win.
Veejay Pre led the Tamaraws with 20 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Janrey Pasaol contributed 19 points, while Mo Konateh recorded a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Bautista finished with five points on 2-of-11 shooting, but none bigger than his game-winning shot.
Letran pulls away against UE
In the first game of the quadruple header, Letran defeated the University of the East, 70-66, to advance to the semifinals.
UE led 66-63 with four minutes remaining, but Letran closed the game on a 7-0 run, highlighted by clutch free throws from Deo Cuajao with 16 seconds left.
Cuajao led the Knights with 22 points, and Jonathan Manalili added 19. John Abate was the top scorer for the Warriors with 14 points.
FEU will face UP in the semifinals tomorrow at 4:00 p.m., while Letran will take on La Salle at 6:00 p.m. still at the same venue.