With a 6-0 standing, the UP Fighting Maroons are already assured of the top seed for the crossover quarterfinals.
The University of the Philippines fought off gutsy Ateneo de Manila University in the much-anticipated Battle of Katipunan in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup for a well-earned 82-75 win, Saturday in San Juan's Filoil EcoOil Centre.
“Pag maganda ‘yung tema ng laro and nakukuha namin ‘yung gusto namin, okay ako kahit anong outcome ng numbers ko,” said JD Cagulangan, who paced the Fighting Maroons with 16 points and two assists.
The likes of Dikachi Ududo (15 points, four rebounds) and Aldous Torculas (14 markers, 10 boards) also helped in extending UP’s unbeaten start in the tournament co-presented by Bostik El Heneral and ABC Tile Adhesive, and has Smart Sports, Strong Group Athletics, and Hanes as major sponsors.
With a 6-0 standing, the Fighting Maroons are already assured of the top seed for the crossover quarterfinals.
After a 68-all deadlock at the 5:47 mark of the final frame, UP went on a tear of 10 unanswered points behind Harold Alarcon and Francis Lopez to dig the Blue Eagles a hole they couldn't climb out of.
Andrew Bongo notched 16 points and five boards while getting support from Shaun Tuano (16) and Mason Amos (14) for still-winless Ateneo.
At 0-5, the Blue Eagles already out of contention 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.
Still alive and kicking, meanwhile, is the University of the East which rode Precious Momowei's 15-point, 19-rebound double-double to get past University of Santo Tomas, 66-60, to keep its playoff hopes alive at 3-3.
Angelo Crisostomo scattered 12 points and six rebounds for the Growling Tigers, who fell to a 2-3 slate. Nic Cabañero listed 11 points and seven boards, and Peter Osang provided 15 boards and three points for UST.
Also fanning the flames for the next round is Adamson University after turning back slumping National University in a 57-53 overtime win.
Cedrick Manzano was the lone Soaring Falcon in double-figures with 19 points laced with eight boards, but that was more than enough for their second win in five games.
On the other hand, the Bulldogs failed to sustain the momentum from their breakthrough win to drop to 1-4, even with Jolo Manansala collecting 15 points and seven boards and Jake Figueroa tallying 12 points and two assists.
Over in the NCAA bracket, College of Saint Benilde remained atop the standings with a 5-1 slate, while Lyceum of the Philippines University improved to 2-6 after separate impressive wins.
The Blazers turned in a 71-69 escape from San Beda University behind Allen Liwag’s 14 points and nine rebounds, while Tony Ynot wound up with 10 markers and four boards.
The Pirates, for their part, registered their second win at the expense of Arellano University, 88-82, with Simon Peñafiel at the forefront of the attack with 26 points and two rebounds.
Renzo Abiera’s 32 points and four boards went down the drain for the Chiefs who fell to a 3-4 record, while Nygel Gonzales spearheaded the Red Lions with 18 markers and two boards as they slid into a triple-tie with Mapua University and University of Perpetual Help at 4-3.