The UP Fighting Maroons defend their FilOil Preseason Cup crown after overcoming the DLSU Green Archers on Wednesday, June 12 at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.
The University of the Philippines secured back-to-back preseason titles after overcoming De La Salle University, 69-66, in the FilOil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City on Wednesday, June 12.
The Fighting Maroons were down 20 points at halftime after being limited to just six points in the second quarter.
But in true UP fashion, the State U squad ignited for a 25-10 third quarter to trim the lead to just five points heading into the fourth.
The Fighting Maroons slowly cut the deficit and later took the lead at 61-58 after key Gerry Abadiano and Kingsley Ududo baskets.
With just 1:26 to go in the game, Kevin Quiambao’s three-pointer would give La Salle a one-point lead, but Ududo and JD Cagulangan restored UP’s lead, 68-65.
Lian Ramiro would be fouled on the other end but would only make one out of two free throws for La Salle.
The Green Archers would go on to foul Francis Lopez with four seconds left and he would sink the first free throw, before missing the second one. With the clock winding down, Quiambao’s half-court heave to tie did not connect.
“Nung halftime, sabi sa amin, 'di kami nakaka-shoot and nawawala rin yung depensa namin. Buti pagbalik namin ng second half, binounce back namin yun,” said Abadiano. “Para sa akin lang, wag kami tumigil, tuloy-tuloy lang sa pag-improve.”
Abadiano was named Finals MVP after leading the Fighting Maroons with 12 points, one rebound, and one assist. Cagulangan added 13 points, while Lopez and Udodo had nine apiece.
Quiambao and CJ Austria led the Green Archers with 14 points apiece in the loss as they finished in second place for the second year in a row.
UP 69 — Cagulangan 13, Abadiano 12, Alarcon 9, Ududo 9, Lopez 8, Torres 7, Torculas 7, Felicilda 2, Alter 2, Stevens 0, Bayla 0, Briones 0, Belmonte 0
LA SALLE 66 — Quiambao 14, Austria 14, Ramiro 7, Agunanne 7, Gollena 7, Dungo 6, Policarpio 4, Macalalag 3, Marasigan 2, Cortez 2, Abadam 0, Rubico 0
QUARTERS: 17-14, 23-43, 48-53, 69-66