JRU claims historic Filoil Preseason crown

Lawrence Mangubat c/o Filoil EcoOil Sports

Jose Rizal University may have just delivered the loudest statement even before the start of the NCAA season.

And if the Heavy Bombers would have it their way, this may very well be a preview of their dream coronation.

With heroes aplenty, JRU came through with a 74-67 Game Two victory to sweep San Beda and capture the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason crown on Thursday.

Lawrence Mangubat was the main stabilizer for the Kalentong crew, dropping 27 points, three rebounds, and three assists including the game-sealing freebies with 10.5 seconds left in front of a raucous crowd inside Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

"Ayaw ko lang matalo," admitted the shifty guard who was named as the ABC Heavy Duty Tournament MVP.

But it was Mythical Team member Chris Hubilla who typified the mighty defense that enabled the Heavy Bombers this run to the top, with his block on Daniel Marcelo in the final minute all but snuffing the hopes out of the Red Lions to cap off his solid 8-point, 8-rebound, and 5-assist night.

Aside from the two though, coach Nani Epondulan flaunted the depth of this roster with numerous players stepping up in this clincher.

Stephen Garupil buried two crucial treys in the fourth that kept San Beda at bay for his nine points, Jahmir Eligado made the most of his suprise start and went a rebound shy of a double-double with his 10 points and nine boards, and Don Benito's Defensive Player Allan Laurenaria was in his element to rack up nine points, four boards, and two steals.

"From the start, yun naman ang tinatrabaho namin. Mentally naiready namin sila," said Epondulan.

Mangubat and Hubilla were joined by San Beda's Aldous Torculas, Letran's Titing Manalili, and University of the Philippines' Veejay Pre in the Mythical Team.

It's a sweet victory for JRU which only lost once this preseason and owned the number of San Beda, winning all of their three meetings in this tilt which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, EO Executive Optical, FWD Insurance, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, B’lue Vita Boost, Mejos Lechon Cebu, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

The Heavy Bombers were also finally able to lift the trophy after settling for runner-up honors way back in the inaugural tourney in 2006.

Zed Etulle paced the Red Lions in the losing cause with 14 points and four boards, as Torculas only had 13 in a tough 3-of-11 shooting from the field.

The Scores:
JRU 74 -- Mangubat 27, Eligado 10, Laurenaria 9, Garupil 9, Hubilla 8, Salvador 5, Masiglat 3, Palis 2, Panapanaan 1, Garcia 0, Herrera 0.
SAN BEDA 67 -- Etulle 14, Torculas 13, Marcelo 11, Puno 8, Songcuya 7, Bonzalida 6, Hawkins 5, Sarigumba 3, Estacio 0, RC. Calimag 0, Jamora 0, Ugaddan 0.
Quarters: 14-13, 29-28, 52-40, 74-67.

San Beda, JRU secure Filoil Preseason finals berths

c/o Filoil

 

Game on Tuesday
4 p.m. - Hanes 3-Point Shootout
(Game 1 of Best-of-3 Finals)
5 p.m. - JRU vs. San Beda

WHEN the dust settled, San Beda and Jose Rizal University turned out to be the last two teams standing in the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive.

The Red Lions and the Heavy Bombers stunned their fancied foes on Sunday at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan to arrange the first ever all-NCAA championship duel in the famed preseason league.

San Beda played inspired basketball and dethroned the defending three-time preseason champion University of the Philippines, 93-72, while JRU was in full control against Letran to earn the 82-73 victory.

Game One of the best-of-three finals series starts this Tuesday at the same venue.

Fighting Maroons-turned-Red Lions RC Calimag and Aldous Torculas were men on a mission in the contest as the Mendiola side shot a blazing 16-of-33 clip from downtown to eliminate State U from the competition and reach the championship for the first time since 2019.

Calimag caught fire early and commandeered San Beda's 12-0 start before finishing with 27 points built from six treys, as Torculas did a little bit of everything with his 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Dom Sarigumba also chimed in 17 points, seven assists, and two boards, Penny Estacio got 11 points and six assists, and Zed Etulle nabbed a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds in the win in this tilt which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, EO Executive Optical, FWD Insurance, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, B’lue Vita Boost, Mejos Lechon Cebu, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

More than the triumph, however, it was an emotional victory for San Beda which dedicated the game to the late JV Gallego who tragically passed away on Saturday.

"[Gallego] embodied sacrifice and he's such a great inspiration for the team in terms of staying ready," said assistant coach Andre Santos. "The guys played inspired basketball, they played for something greater than themselves and the team, and they played for JV."

Ex-Red Lion James Payosing topped UP in the loss with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Defense, meanwhile, did the trick for the Heavy Bombers with Chris Hubilla and Allan Laurenaria leading the charge in stifling the red-hot Knights.

Hubilla uncorked 22 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, as Laurenaria recorded 11 points and 10 boards.

But it was Lawrence Mangubat who outplayed his counterparts with 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Titing Manalili, however, kept Letran fighting as the Knights rallied from 23-points down and hit back-to-back threes to cut the deficit down to six, 79-73, with 44.0 seconds left.

But JRU did just enough in the endgame to pull off the win and enter the preseason finals for the first time since 2006 -- when the tournament was still named the Homegrown Cup and it settled for runner-up honors against La Salle.

"Sinasabi ko naman sa kanila na trabahuin nila ng tama and ito ngayon yung naging resulta," said coach Nani Epondulan.

Manalili shouldered the load for the Knights with 28 points, nine assists, and six rebounds.

The Scores:

First Game:
JRU 82 - Hubilla 22, Mangubat 19, Laurenaria 11, Salvador 11, Garupil 6, Eligado 6, Lozano 3, Panapanaan 2, Herrera 2, Garcia 0, Masiglat 0, Duque 0, Palis 0.
LETRAN 73 - Manalili 28, Estrada 12, Diamante 12, Buensalida 7, Santos 7, Cargo 4, Gammad 2, Siena 1, Sison-Walker 0, Hugo 0, Montecillo 0, Villanueva 0.
Quarters: 23-16, 47-36, 66-50, 82-73.

Second Game:
SAN BEDA 93 - Calimag 27, Sarigumba 17, Torculas 14, Estacio 11, Etulle 10, Bonzalida 8, Hawkins 2, Puno 2, Songcuya 2, Jamora 0, Jalbuena 0, Ugaddan 0.
UP 72 - Pre 10, Alter 10, Payosing 10, Poyos 9, Stevens 8, Palanca 8, Yniguez 8, Dimaculangan 4, Ogana 3, Bayla 2, Remogat 0, Andres 0.
Quarters: 24-15, 37-35, 68-48, 93-72.

UP, La Salle duel for Filoil Preseason top seed

Games on Monday
1 p.m. - Mapua vs. Perpetual
3 p.m. - San Beda vs. Letran
6 p.m. - UP vs. La Salle

NEW age rivals cross paths anew this Monday as University of the Philippines and La Salle collide in the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

And their duel couldn't have come at a better time with high stakes hanging in the balance for the last three days of eliminations of the premier preseason league.

For the 4-0 Fighting Maroons, a win solidifies its position at the top of the UAAP Group ahead of the crossover quarterfinals and you bet, Veejay Pre, Rey Remogat, and James Payosing are determined to reinforce their position at the top of the table.

The Green Archers, on the other hand, are the hottest team in their bracket winning four straight to go up at 4-1, and Jacob Cortez, Mason Amos, and Vhoris Marasigan are all motivated to continue the defending UAAP champions' mastery against their foes from Diliman.

Moreover, a victory in the 6 p.m. game can force a tie for first with idle National U (5-1), all of which are still awaiting their playoff dates from the opposite bracket in this tourney which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, EO Executive Optical, FWD Insurance, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, B’lue Vita Boost, Mejos Lechon Cebu, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

But it's not the only rivalry game in the day's slate.

Letran and San Beda, both sporting 6-1 records, add another chapter to their storied battles in another Finals rematch from the last collegiate season come 3 p.m.

Titing Manalili has been the engine that has kept the Knights winning as they have emerged victorious in their last six outings, one that they want to sustain heading into the quarters.

Aldous Torculas, on the other hand, is just as stupendous for the Red Lions as he has been the absolute leader for this Mendiola pack.

Playoff-bound Mapua (6-1) also takes on also-ran Perpetual (3-4) in the 1 p.m. curtain raiser of this triple-header.

JRU stuns San Beda in Filoil Preseason matchup of unbeatens

c/o Filoil Preseason

Games Thursday
11 a.m. - EAC vs. Benilde
1 p.m. - San Sebastian vs. Perpetual
3 p.m. - NU vs. UST
5 p.m. - Gilas Youth vs. La Salle

JOSE Rizal University might have sent an early warning to the rest of the league.

The Heavy Bombers turned back erstwhile undefeated San Beda, 73-65, to move at solo first in the NCAA Group Wednesday in the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive.

Chris Hubilla was in full control of the game for JRU with his 18 points and nine rebounds, while providing support were Allen Laurenaria's 15 points and nine boards and Lawrence Mangubat who had 14 points, four rebounds, and three steals.

But it was defense which did the trick, forcing San Beda to 20 turnovers and held high scoring Aldous Torculas to just five points on 2-for-7 shooting.

Sean Salvador was also instrumental for the Heavy Bombers late in the game, scoring seven of his 9 points in a crucial juncture in the fourth quarter to guide the Kalentong crew to their sixth straight victory in this tilt which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

RC Calimag was the lone Red Lion in double figures with his 21 points built from four three-pointers as they sunk to a 5-1 record.

Mapua also earned back-to-back wins after escaping Arellano in a thrilling 94-89 victory.

MC Cuenco sank the go-ahead dagger from the top of the arc with 58 seconds left to give the Cardinals a comfortable 92-86 lead before his assist to a Jaymark Lloren sealed the deal as they moved up to 3-1.

He finished with 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting from distance, while Yam Concepcion commandeered the paint with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.

Coach Chito Victolero, however, still feels in disbelief how his side pulled off the victory after Mapua committed 20 turnovers and gave up 42 free throws to Arellano.

"I don't know how we got the win, but yun nga, a win is a win," said the comebacking mentor after the Cardinals squandered a 15-point lead, 85-70, but still held on to the triumph.

It was a tough defeat for the winless Chiefs, which slid to a 0-6 slate, despite the return of T-Mc Ongotan who dropped 20 points and two assists.

The Scores:

First Game:
MAPUA 94 - Cuenco 17, Concepcion 12, Callangan 11, Pascual 10, Reyes 10, Diaz 8, Lazarte 8, Lloren 7, L. Nitura 5, Reyes 2, M. Nitura 2, Ryan 2, Igliane 0.
ARELLANO 89 - Ongotan 20, Valencia 18, Vinoya 14, Geronimo 9, Abiera 8, Borromeo 7, Manansala 4, Buenaventura 3, Camay 3, Ladica 3, Langit 0, Flores 0, Mendoza 0, Demetria 0, Barraca 0.
Quarters: 26-24, 52-44, 74-66, 94-89.

Second Game:
JRU 73 - Hubilla 18, Laurenaria 15, Mangubat 14, Salvador 9, Herrera 5, Eligado 4, Garupil 3, Duque 3, Garcia 2, Panapanaan 0, Masiglat 0.
SAN BEDA 65 - RC. Calimag 21, Etulle 9, Bonzalida 8, Marcelo 5, Torculas 5, Lina 5, Hawkins 4, Puno 3, Efron 3, Dabao 2, Jamora 0, Jalbuena 0, Ugaddan 0, Songcuya 0, Medroso 0.
Quarters: 15-21, 41-40, 56-51, 73-65.

La Salle squeaks through for third straight Filoil preseason win

c/o Filoil EcoOil Sports

La Salle survives Adamson for third straight Filoil Preseason win

Games Tuesday
3 p.m. - Benilde vs. San Sebastian
5 p.m. - Perpetual vs. EAC

LA Salle weathered the huge fourth quarter storm from Adamson to pull off the 85-82 squeaker Sunday in the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive.

Luis Pablo scored two crucial baskets down the stretch for the Green Archers before Jacob Cortez iced the game with a cold-blooded trey with 19.7 seconds left to make it an 85-80 affair after the Taft side squandered a 25-point second half lead.

"Magandang reference ito para sa amin with what happened kanina. Yun ang kailangan namin i-work on sa team: to stay composed Lalo na sa situations na ganoon," said Pablo, who ended with a team-high 14 points to go with seven rebounds and two steals.

Cortez added 13 points, five boards, and five assists, while Vhoris Marasigan got 12 points and four rebounds to improve to a 3-1 record.

Yet La Salle had to sweat this one out especially after Adamson staged a 19-0 run to tie the game at 74 with 2:47 left and set up the frantic finish in this tilt which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

The valiant Soaring Falcons succumbed to their third loss following the withdrawal of Ateneo in the premier preseason tourney.

Jonah Precious led Adamson with 16 points and nine rebounds, as Manu Anabo shot a pair of treys for his 14 points.

San Beda and Jose Rizal University also continued to flourish atop the NCAA Group, extending their unbeaten records to five wins.

The Red Lions fended off a pesky Perpetual side, 62-60, thanks to the late game heroics of RC Calimag.

He finished with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, including the clutch dagger three that gave San Beda a 61-56 lead with 1:34 to play.

Aldous Torculas continued his fine form with 11 points, six boards, two assists, two steals, and two blocks, as Menard Songcuya added nine in another balanced attack for the Mendiola crew.

The Altas absorbed their third loss in four games with JD Pagulayan and Angelo Gelsano both scoring eight.

Meanwhile, the Heavy Bombers got their act together in the fourth to stun Emilio Aguinaldo College, 87-84.

Lawrence Mangubat spearheaded the 24-point payoff period assault with 25 points, four rebounds, and nine assists, while also drawing significant contribution from backcourt partners Stephen Garupil and Sean Salvador, who combined for 23.

The Generals slipped to their third defeat of the tournament to fall to 1-4 despite MJ Raymundo's 16 points.

Mapua also manhandled St. Benilde, 84-67, for its second win in eight outings.

Marc Cyrus Cuenco uncorked 19 points, four assists, and four steals as the Cardinals' defense forced the Blazers to 22 miscues.

Marc Igliane chipped in 13 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Cyrus Nitura got a double-double of 12 points and 10 boards to push Mapua to 2-1.

CSB fell to a 2-3 record with Joshua Cajucom topscoring for the Blazers with 13 points.

The Scores:

First Game:
JRU 87 - Mangubat 25, Garupil 12, Salvador 11, Laurenaria 8, Masiglat 8, Garcia 8, Duque 8, Eligado 4, Peñaverde 3, Panapanaan 0, Castillo 0, Agemenyi 0.
EAC 84 - M. Raymundo 16, Nunag 15, Shanoda 12, Bagay 11, Coronel 8, Bonus 7, Namoro 4, Ochavo 3, Castillo 3, Sealey 3, Postanes 2, Luna 0.
Quarters: 18-26, 44-45, 63-67, 87-84.

Second Game:
SAN BEDA 62 - Torculas 11, RC. Calimag 11, Marcelo 9, Songcuya 9, Etulle 7, Dabao 3, Ri. Calimag 3, Vailoces 3, Hawkins 2, Jamora 2, Ugaddan 2, Bonzalida 0, Culdora 0, Sarigumba 0, Medroso 0, Efron 0.
PERPETUAL 60 - Gelsano 8, Pagulayan 8, Orgo 7, Borja 7, Maglupay 6, Casinillo 6, Cristino 5, Tulabut 4, Roluna 4, Duremdes 3, Gojo Cruz 2, Caugiran 0, Thompson 0, Baldoria 0, Tabbuan 0, Montemayor 0.
Quarters: 16-14, 32-30, 47-42, 62-60.

Third Game:
MAPUA 84 - Cuenco 19, Igliane 13, M. Nitura 12, L. Nitura 9, Pascual 7, Concepcion 6, Diaz 6, Lazarte 4, Callangan 2, Reyes 2, Ryan 2, Sacro 2, Lloren 0.
BENILDE 67 - Cajucom 13, Torres 11, Sanchez 8, Liwag 7, Moore 7, Ancheta 7, Gonzaga 6, Jarque 5, Arejola 3, Go 0, Ison 0, Ortega 0, Arciaga 0.
Quarters: 15-16, 39-40, 59-51, 84-67.

Fourth Game:
LA SALLE 85 - Pablo 14, Cortez 13, Marasigan 12, Abadam 9, Macalalag 7, Amos 7, Cibull 7, Melencio 7, Dungo 5, Daep 2, Gollena 2, Gagate 0, Sharma 0, Quines 0.
ADAMSON 82 - Precious 16, Anabo 14, Edding 14, Montebon 13, Medina 8, Sajili 6, Torres 4, Jaymalin 3, Cruz-Dumont 2, Mangaron 1, Demisana 1, Perez 0, Pacquiao 0.
Quarters: 31-19, 53-35, 72-53, 85-82.

La Salle claims back-to-back wins, San Beda, JRU extend winning run to four straight in Filoil Preseason

c/o Filoil

Games Sunday
11 a.m. - JRU vs. EAC
1 p.m. - San Beda vs. Perpetual
3 p.m. - Benilde vs. Mapua
5 p.m. - Adamson vs. La Salle

LA Salle survived Mo Konateh's monster game while San Beda and Jose Rizal University continued to pace the NCAA Group in the Independence Day staging of the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive on Friday.

Jacob Cortez and rookie Jason Cibull connived in guiding the Green Archers to back-to-back wins as they held off Far Eastern University, 82-77 at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Cortez led the way with 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Cibull added 14 markers to move up to 2-1.

"My teammates gave me a lot of trust and I have a lot of trust in myself. Those shots I took earlier, I worked a lot on those. Today it wasn’t just following but my teammates are getting the rebound, they’re doing the hustle. Whatever I don’t do they’re there to do it and we have a lot of trust to each other," said Cortez.

Konateh shouldered the load for the Tamaraws with 29 points and 12 rebounds, but that can't halt their freefall to their third straight defeat to sink to 1-3 in this tilt which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

The Red Lions also preserved their unblemished 4-0 record with a 95-89 win over St. Benilde in the nightcap.

Aldous Torculas erupted for 28 points and six rebounds, including two clutch triples that gave the Red Lions a 93-87 breathing room in the final minute.

Zedjay Etulle also collected 14 points, while RC Calimag delivered down the stretch and finished with 12 points, two rebounds, and three assists.

Jhomel Ancheta stepped up for the 2-2 Blazers with 17 points, as Zenric Jarque and Matthew Jucom contributed 15 and 14 points, respectively.

The Heavy Bombers also stayed spotless in four games after pulling off a 73-67 comeback win over Arellano.

Trailing by three entering the final canto, the Heavy Bombers leaned on their defense to shut down the Chiefs, holding them to just 10 points in the payoff period to complete the turnaround.

Jalen Garcia led JRU with 21 points, six rebounds, and one assist, while Allan Laurenaria stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Winless Arellano, meanwhile, absorbed its fifth straight defeat despite keeping things close for most of the game. Aaron Manansala and Troy Valencia paced the Chiefs with 11 points apiece.

Letran also extended its winning streak to six after edging Lyceum of the Philippines University, 86-83, in a down-to-the-wire finish.

Jimboy Estrada delivered the biggest shot of the night with a crucial triple before Aaron Buensalida knocked down two charities in the clutch to seal the win.

Estrada finished with 16 points and two assists, Buensalida got 14 points and seven rebounds, and Titing Manalili registered 13 points, seven assists, and four boards for the Knights, which rose to 6-1.

Renz Villegas led LPU (2-5) with 16 points in the loss.

The Scores:

First Game:
JRU 73 - Garcia 21, Laurenaria 18, Herrera 9, Mangubat 7, Masiglat 5, Garupil 4, Eligado 4, Panapanaan 3, Peñaverde 2, Duque 0, Castillo 0, Agemenyi 0.
ARELLANO 67 - Valencia 11, Manansala 11, Camay 9, Vinoya 8, Hernal 8, Ladica 6, Geronimo 4, Buenaventura 3, Abiera 3, Flores 2, Borromeo 2, Langit 0, Demetria 0.
Quarters: 20-15, 35-37, 54-57, 73-67.

Second Game:
LETRAN 86 - Estrada 16, Buensalida 14, Manalili 13, Sison-Walker 8, Siena 8, Cargo 7, Gammad 6, Santos 6, Diamante 4, Montecillo 2, Silorio 2, Hugo 0, Valdeavilla 0, Lim 0.
LPU 83 - Villegas 16, Rubico 15, Manuel 10, Almario 9, Ondoa 8, Aurigue 6, Peñafiel 6, Matienzo 4, Daileg 4, Fuentes 3, Cardinas 2, Aviles 0, Pallingayan 0, Panelo 0.
Quarters: 27-25, 49-49, 67-63, 86-83.

Third Game:
LA SALLE 82 - Cortez 18, Cibull 14, Amos 9, Marasigan 8, Dungo 7, Abadam 6, Macalalag 6, Pablo 6, Gagate 4, Gollena 4, Daep 0, Melencio 0.
FEU 77 - Konateh 29, Bautista 15, Cabonilas 11, Pasaol 8, Daa 7, Burgos 5, Hall 2, Montemayor 0, Mahmood 0, Rañeses 0.
Quarters: 24-19, 44-41, 59-55, 82-77.

Fourth Game:
SAN BEDA 95 - Torculas 28, Etulle 14, RC. Calimag 12, Bonzalida 9, Marcelo 8, Jalbuena 5, Songcuya 4, Jamora 3, Efron 3, Ri. Calimag 3, Hawkins 2, Sarigumba 2, Dabao 2, Lina 0, Culdora 0, Medroso 0.
BENILDE 89 - Ancheta 17, Jarque 15, Jucom 14, Liwag 9, Moore 7, Celis 6, Go 6, Morales 5, Arciaga 4, Daja 3, Baliquig 3, Podador 0.
Quarters: 20-26, 46-45, 67-68, 95-89.

Letran seeks fourth straight in Filoil Preseason

Games Tuesday at the Playtime Filoil Centre
11 a.m. - JRU vs. LPU
1 p.m. - EAC vs. Letran
3 p.m. - Arellano vs. Perpetual
5 p.m. - Adamson vs. UST

JUNE seemed to have changed the air in University of Santo Tomas as it finally chalked one in the win column in the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive.

Now, the Growling Tigers want to make it two-in-a-row when they face Adamson on Tuesday at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

The two squads collide at 5 p.m. in the main event of another quadruple-header as they jostle for position in the UAAP Group.

UST (1-2) is coming off a 83-75 win over Far Eastern U last Saturday with Gelo Crisostomo taking the lead role.

"We want to show composure, na kahit nakakahabol yung mga kalaban, nakakarecover yung team," said assistant coach Japs Cuan of that last outing.

Meanwhile, Adamson suffered its second straight defeat after being walloped by Ateneo, 72-52.

It was a performance that the boys of coach Nash Racela would rather forget especially after the team fired a horrid 17-percent from distance.

Meanwhile, Letran is starting to gain steam in the NCAA Group, winning its last three games and is motivated to sustain that run against Emilio Aguinaldo College at 1 p.m. of this premier preseason tourney which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

Titing Manalili, Jimboy Estrada, and rookie George Diamante have been impressive in the Knights' last outing, an 83-72 win over Mapua, and would want to keep it up against the well-rested Generals, which last played in May 19 and gutted out a 91-88 overtime win over Arellano.

Undefeated Jose Rizal University (2-0) raise the curtains at 11 a.m. against slumping Lyceum of the Philippines University (1-3), while winless teams Arellano and Perpetual, both trotting 0-2 cards, part ways at 3 p.m.

NU stuns La Salle as UP, Mapua earn wins in Filoil Preseason opener

c/o Filoil EcoOil Sports

Games Monday
1 p.m. - JRU vs. Letran
3 p.m. - Benilde vs. Perpetual
5 p.m. - FEU vs. Gilas Youth

NATIONAL University burst everyone's bubble and spoiled reigning UAAP kings La Salle, 70-64, in the opening day of the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive on Sunday at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Reinhard Jumamoy put on the finishing touches in the Bulldogs' first day shocker, calmly sinking six free throws in the final minute to end up with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists to hold off the Green Archers' belated rallies.

It was a signature balanced attack for NU with Mo Diassana logging nine points and 11 rebounds, PJ Palacielo registering eight points and six boards, and DJ Laconsay getting eight points and two rebounds.

"Hindi naman dapat na statement win ito eh," said coach Jeff Napa, downplaying the win as the Bulldogs usher in a new era without top guns Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Jolo Manansala.

"We're starting a new season, a new generation for this team so we just keep learning and implementing our system."

Jacob Cortez tried his earnest to carry the load for La Salle with 13 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while Mason Amos also had 13 points from three three-pointers in the defeat -- a tough start for the green-and-white as they traverse this new day after Mike Phillips and Kean Baclaan.

Three-time defending preseason champion University of the Philippines also powered through a second-half reversal to fend off University of Santo Tomas, 82-78.

Veejay Pre, making his Fighting Maroons debut, lived up to his hype and dropped seven of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, including the booming three with 3:51 to play that gave the Diliman side a 75-69 lead.

The former UAAP Rookie of the Year also got four rebounds and two assists to anchor the come-from-behind win.

Rey Remogat also sealed off the victory with a drive that kept UP up, 79-73, with 1:34 left for his 12 points, six assists, and four boards.

“Sa akin, being able to regroup as a team and adjust the second half, yung ganung klaseng experience will be really needed in the UAAP. As I've said, through these games, we’re getting to know each other on both ends cause we really need this experience," said Fighting Maroons mentor Goldwin Monteverde.

Migs Yniguez added 10 points, as Lowell Briones got nine points and five rebounds.

The UST loss wasted Mark Llemit's scorching night where he shot 22 points built on four triples, as Collins Akowe produced his usual dominant double-double performance in the tune of 19 points and 16 rebounds.

In the curtain-opener, Mapua welcomed its new coach Chito Victolero with a resounding 87-66 conquest over Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Yam Concepcion paced the five Cardinals to breach double figures with 20 points, five assists, and four rebounds, Cyrus Nitura flirted with a triple-double of 12 points, 13 boards, and eight assists, and Sebastian Reyes also chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds.

Rookie guard Jamal Diaz also impressed with 11 points, five assists, and four boards after getting the starting nod.

"Maraming trabaho because I need to rebuild this team. That's why I told them they need to fasttrack their mental toughness para lang mas maganda yung showing namin ngayon," said Victolero.

Matthew Rubico led the Pirates with 15 points and seven assists as Roger Ondoa got 10 off the bench for coach Jamike Jarin.

The Scores:

First Game:
MAPUA 87 - Concepcion 20, Reyes 15, C. Nitura 12, Diaz 11, Callangan 11, Cuenco 4, L. Nitura 4, Reyes 3, Pascual 3, Bernabe 2, Lloren 2, Mendoza 0, Sacro 0, Ryan 0, Dones 0.
LPU 66 - Rubico 15, Ondoa 10, Daileg 8, Guadaña 7, Fuentes 7, Villaver 4, Cardinas 4, Peñafiel 3, Aurigue 3, Pallingayan 2, Matienzo 2, Aviles 1, Caduyac 0, Abrantes 0, Almario 0.
Quarters: 25-20, 42-35, 64-55, 87-66.

Second Game:
UP 82 - Pre 17, Remogat 12, Yniguez 10, Briones 9, Palanca 8, Bayla 7, Payosing 7, Alter 4, Miles 4, Stevens 2, Poyos 2, Dimaculangan 0, Maga 0, Coronel 0, Andres 0.
UST 78 - Llemit 22, Akowe 19, Crisostomo 8, Sevilla 8, Buenaflor 6, Bucsit 5, Acido 4, Melecio 3, Porter 3, Manding 0, Cañete 0, Calum 0, Danting 0, Sevilla 0.
Quarters: 15-22, 42-47, 60-60, 82-78.

Third Game:
NU 70 - Jumamoy 15, Diassana 9, Palacielo 8, Laconsay 8, Alfanta 7, Garcia 7, Reyes 4, Tulabut 3, Francisco 2, Serrano 2, Cartel 2, Navarro 2, Padrones 1, Miranda 0, Figueroa 0.
LA SALLE 64 - Cortez 13, Amos 13, Macalalag 10, Daep 7, Gagate 6, Abadam 6, Dungo 4, Pablo 3, Kulang 2, Gollena 0, Quines 0, Melencio 0, Sarmiento 0.
Quarters: 14-15, 32-28, 49-44, 70-64.

La Salle, UP, NU, UST complete NSAC 2026 quarterfinal field

c/o AsiaBasket

De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, National University, and University of Santo Tomas completed the quarterfinal cast of the NSAC 2026 College Basketball Campus Tour after securing Round of 16 wins Sunday at the UP Varsity Training Center in Quezon City.

In a clash of sister schools, La Salle, the No. 2 seed from Group D, stretched its streak to three with a 76-66 win over Group A’s No. 3 seed De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

The victory sends the UAAP Season 88 champions into a quarterfinal matchup against the Tamaraws.

The Green Archers turned a deadlock into a double-digit cushion late in the fourth quarter, with JC Macalalag breaking the 66-all tie on a layup and a jumper before Mason Amos drilled a triple for a 74-66 edge.

Macalalag then iced the game from the free throw line, stretching La Salle’s lead to 10. Benilde came up empty in the closing possessions as the Green Archers wrapped up the 76-66 victory.

Luis Pablo led all scorers with 16 points on 77.8 percent shooting from the field, 13 rebounds and three assists, while Macalalag backed him up with 13 points along with three rebounds.

Allen Liwag tallied 16 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists for the Blazers, who will face the Golden Stags in the classification round.

Later on, Group A leader UP continued its unbeaten run with an 87-60 victory against Group D fourth seed Adamson University on its home court.

UP pulled away for good in the final quarter, stretching a 15-point lead to as many as 28 behind a balanced attack from Veejay Pre, Sean Alter, Arvie Poyos and LA Andres. Adamson tried to keep pace through triples from Noah Pacquiao and baskets from Mahathir Edding and Zaheer Sajili, but the Fighting Maroons continued to force turnovers and convert in transition.

UP capped the 87-60 rout with a late layup from Miguel Yñiguez, while Poyos came up with back-to-back steals in the closing seconds.

Pre delivered a game-high 27 points on 92.3 percent shooting from the field, along with eight rebounds and two assists, while Alter added 15 points on 77.8 percent shooting and eight rebounds. On the other side, Adamson’s Precious Jonah posted 13 points and five rebounds.

The Soaring Falcons are set to battle the Chiefs in the classification round.

Booking a quarterfinal meeting with the Fighting Maroons, Group B second seed NU knocked off Group C third seed Arellano University, 87-76.

NU turned back Arellano’s late push in the fourth quarter, rebuilding a 20-point cushion, 77-57, behind Reinhard Jumamoy’s triple and Paul Francisco’s steady inside presence. The Chiefs trimmed it to 11 late behind T-Mc Ongotan and Rayjohn Ladica, but the Bulldogs answered with key baskets from John Vincent Reyes and Francisco to close out the 87-76 win.

PJ Palacielo paced all scorers with 18 points on top of six rebounds, while Justine Garcia contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.

For Arellano, Ongotan tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds, and eight steals, with Renzo Abiera adding 12 points in the defeat.

Meanwhile, Group B top seed UST stayed perfect, routing Group C fourth seed St. Clare College of Caloocan, 87-55, to earn a quarterfinal date with Ateneo de Manila University.

UAAP Season 88 Rookie of the Year Collins Akowe made his tournament debut for the Growling Tigers and finished with 21 points and eight rebounds. Mark Llemit added 17 points on 87.5 percent shooting with seven rebounds.

Megan Galang led St. Clare with 16 points, while Babacar Nndong also made his first appearance and posted 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Quarterfinal action takes place on May 23 at the Villavicencio Court at the Enrique M. Razon Sports Complex, De La Salle University, Manila, while the classification round schedule will be announced at a later date.

Filoil preseason set for May 17 opening

Preseason basketball officially kicks into high gear next month, with the 19th edition of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup set to open on May 17 at its hub, the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Teams from both the UAAP and NCAA are set to tangle, with the champion to be crowned on July 18.

The University of the Philippines is seeking to claim its fourth straight title in this tournament, as it attempts to reclaim the UAAP men's basketball crown back from La Salle.

Even with the departure of its senior core, the Maroons will be ready for their title defense, led by its transfer standouts Veejay Pre, Rey Remogat, and Gani Stevens.

The Green Archers, fresh from their title exploits in dispatching UP in the league, will still have Jacob Cortez running the show, but expect some adjustments with the departure of Mike Phillips and Kean Baclaan. 

Set to make its return after sitting out the last few editions is Ateneo, which is set to parade a bunch of newcomers led by Kieffer Alas.

As for the NCAA, San Beda and Letran lead the way, while the College of Saint Benilde is also ready to impress. Jose Rizal University and Emilio Aguinaldo College, who have up-and-coming guards Sean Salvador and EJ Castillo, respectively, potentially surprising as they continue their preparations for the 102nd season of the Grand Old League.

The format from the past few seasons will be retained, as all UAAP schools will be placed in one group with the NCAA institutions on the other. After their groups go through a single round robin, the knockout rounds begin with the crossover quarterfinals.

A new element for this season is the appointment of BJ Manalo as the tournament's commissioner, supporting coaching legend Joe Lipa. The former La Salle collegiate standout is the latest addition to the tournament staff, which is still led by Virgil Villavicencio (chairman), Bert dela Rosa (deputy commissioner), Bennett Palad (tournament director) and Diana Layug (general manager). 

Manalo shares, "It's a wonderful privilege to be in touch with the current players and the current head coaches, and to have this chance to learn from coach Joe. This is special."

Supporting the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup are ABC Tile Adhesive, Hanes, Wallem, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, BDO, Akari, and Tela.com Athletics.

Hanes 3-Point Shootout to determine outstanding shooters

EIGHT of the best shooters in the amateur ranks wage war on Sunday as they dispute who has the best touch from deep at the Hanes 3-Point Shootout.

Terrence Fortea and Reinhard Jumamoy lead the cast as they vie for the crown which will serve as the appetizer to the championship game of the PlayTime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive between defending champs University of the Philippines and National University.

Aside from the two, also in the mix are Adamson’s Matty Erolon, University of Santo Tomas’ Kyle Paranada, La Salle’s Mason Amos, University of the East’s John Abate, Benilde’s Ernest Daja, and Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Nico Quinal.

Daja had the best three-point percentage in the league, shooting 66-percent of his rainbow shots as he made 16 of his 24 attempts from deep, while Erolon (52-percent) isn’t that far behind.

The other contestants are the best shooters in their respective teams throughout the premier preseason league which has PlayTime Cares, Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Bostik El Heneral, Jiang Nan Hotpot, Lamtex Pipes, Smart, and Puso Pilipinas as major sponsors, Spalding as official game ball, and Harbor Star, Wallem, Akari, BDO, Tela.com Athletics, Nature’s Spring, Reyes Barbecue, and Brothers Burger as minor sponsors.

The winner of the competition will take home the P10,000 cash prize and a gift pack from Hanes.

UP starts Filoil Preseason title defense strong

c/o Filoil

The title defense for the University of the Philippines at the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup started off well, as the Fighting Maroons took out the De La Salle Green Archers, 89-77, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

JD Cagulangan led all scorers with nineteen points, while complementing him is Francis Lopez with sixteen markers, while adding three rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Dikachi Ududo seeks to fill the massive hole left by Malick Diouf, and the foreign student-athlete did his part with six points, ten rebounds, and a couple of rejections.

UP seemed to have all the answers to every counter that the recently-minted PBA D-League Aspirants Cup champions had. The Green Archers managed to cut the deficit to 75-79 with less than six minutes left in the final period, but JD and Francis closed things out by scoring all the points in the final 10-2 burst.

Cagulangan shared afterwards, "Very excited kami na La Salle agad makakatapat kasi para sa'kin, big game para sa'min ito. Buti naman, nag-respond naman nang maayos ang buong team."

Maroons mentor Goldwin Monteverde adds, "Happy in a sense na, alam naman nating first game pa lang ito, pero seeing the players respond, ok na ok sa'kin yun. Ang importante sa'kin is getting the exposure we need for all our players, especially against La Salle pa."

Kevin Quiambao led DLSU with fifteen points and nine rebounds, while Mike Phillips and Henry Agunanne each netted thirteen markers.

Preceeding this much anticipated UAAP finals rematch was San Beda's 76-69 victory over Letran.

The Red Lions bucked the absence of James Payosing and Yukien Andrada with a twenty-point explosion from Josh Tagala, mostly from his six triples.

The bulk of his scoring came in a 19-5 run in the third period, allowing the NCAA champions to retake the lead over their archrivals. He also scored their last five points of the game to seal the victory.

Tagala says about his performance, "Ako kasi, palagi lang akong ready. Ginagawa ko lang trabaho ko sa practice and 'di ako magrereklamo sa playing time. Especially now na undermanned kami, kinailangan mag-step up."

Head coach Yuri Escueta adds, "It's always nice winning against your rivals kasi it gives the community something to cheer for. Very happy for Josh Tagala's game din today, but it wasn't a surprise for me. He's always the first one in the gym, practicing his shooting."

Jimboy Estrada led the Knights with sixteen points, while Kobe Monje added fourteen in Allen Ricardo's tournament debut as their new head coach.

Kickstarting the tournament was Mapua's 75-67 victory over Lyceum, where Chris Hubilla netted a near double-double with seventeen points and nine rebounds. Providing additional support for the Cardinals is MC Cuenco, who also scored seventeen points while adding three rebounds and five assists.

Leading the way for the Pirates in the defeat is JM Bravo with sixteen points, six boards, and four dimes.

Completing the slate is University of Perpetual Help System Dalta's 91-89 double overtime victory over Jose Rizal University, where Chris Pagaran scored 23 points, as well as the University of the East's 65-57 triumph over Adamson, with Precious Momowei carrying the Red Warriors through his sixteen points and fourteen rebounds.

The Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup is co-presented by Bostik El Heneral and ABC Tile Adhesive, with SMART Sports, Strong Group Athletics, and Hanes serving as major sponsors. Serving as the official outfitter is Tela.com, with Molten acting as the official game ball. Also named as minor sponsors are Reyes Barbecue, KFC, Brothers Burger, Wallem Philippines Shipping, Harbor Star Shipping Services, and Akari.

Tournament matches will be broadcast on the Filoil EcoOil Sports platforms on Facebook and YouTube, with simultaneous streaming via SMART Sports, Puso Pilipinas, and SMART Livestream.

BOX SCORES

FIRST GAME

MAPUA 75 - Cuenco 17, Hubilla 17, Escamis 8, Jabonete 7, Mangubat 7, Fermin 5, Bancale 5, Abdulla 4, Concepcion 3, Agemenyi 2, Recto 0, Fornis 0

LPU 67 - Bravo 16, Guadana 12, Alattica 10, Barba 6, Penafiel 6, Aviles 6, Villegas 5, Versoza 4, Moralejo 2, Montano 0, Daileg 0, Caduyac 0, Palligayan 0, Fuentes 0

QUARTERS: 15-19, 34-41, 55-47, 75-67

SECOND GAME

PERPETUAL 91 - Pagaran 23, Orgo 16, Boral 16, Pizarro 11, Nunez 7, Gojo Cruz 5, Abis 4, Manuel 4, Thompson 3, Sevilla 2, Gelsano 0, Movida 0, Montemayor 0

JRU 89 - Raymundo 21, Argente 16, Medina 15, Barrera 14, Lozano 8, Panapaanan 5, De Jesus 2, Ramos 2, Sarmiento 2, Guiab 2, Garcia 2, De Leon 0, Pabico 0, Benitez 0, Ferrer 0, Samontanes 0

QUARTERS: 20-22, 40-36, 68-55, 77-77, 85-85 (OT1), 91-89 (OT2)

THIRD GAME

UE 65 - Momowei 16, Maga 13, Spandonis 10, Galang 10, Lingolingo 5, Cruz-Dumont 4, Mulingtapang 4, Abate 3, Robles 0, Go 0, Mahilim 0

ADAMSON 57 - Mantua 10, Manzano 9, Ramos 8, Ignacio 7, Anabo 7, Dignadice 5, Edding 3, Barcelona 3, Ronzone 2, Canete 2, Fransman 1, Torres 0, Barasi 0, Sicat 0

QUARTERS: 18-12, 31-31, 46-42, 65-57

FOURTH GAME

SAN BEDA 76 - Tagala 20, Puno 13, Calimag RC 8, Sajonia 6, Royo 5, Calimag Ri 5, Alloso 5, Celzo 4, Torres 4, Gonzales 3, Peregrina 2, Songcuya 1, Estacio 0

LETRAN 69 - Estrada 16, Monje 14, Manalili 8, Montecillo 8, Javillonar 7, Cuajao 5, Go 5, Galoy 2, Ariar 2, Baliling 2, Pradela 0

QUARTERS: 24-17, 41-39, 61-56, 76-69

FIFTH GAME

UP 89 - Cagulangan 19, Lopez 16, Alarcon 9, Abadiano 8, Belmonte 8, Ududo 6, Alter 6, Torculas 5, Torres 4, Felicilda 4, Fortea 2, Briones 2, Stevens 0

LA SALLE 77 - Quiambao 15, Phillips 13, Agunanne 13, Policarpio 10, Austria 6, David 5, Macalalag 4, Marasigan 4, Abadam 2, Dungo 2, Ogana 2, Cortez 1, Gollena 0

QUARTERS: 31-22, 46-41, 69-66, 89-77

UP set for title defense at 2024 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup

La Salle's Kevin Quiambao, UP's Francis Lopez, San Beda's James Payosing (Photos courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau/NCAA Philippines/GMA Sports)

The 17th edition of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup is set to commence in less than a month.

All eight schools from the UAAP and all ten schools from the NCAA will participate in the 2024 edition, which will start on May 11, as each side is set to undertake their own respective preparations for their upcoming league campaigns.

Considered as among the favorites are defending champions the University of the Philippines, with JD Cagulangan and Francis Lopez set to anchor a successful title defense under Goldwin Monteverde.

Serving as the likely main foils are the respective league champions in La Salle and San Beda.

The Green Archers conquered the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP finals, with Topex Robinson still armed with a ferocious frontcourt of league MVP Kevin Quiambao, Mike Phillips, and Jonnel Policarpio.

As for the Red Lions, Yuri Escueta will still have Finals MVP James Payosing, while also integrating a bunch of transfers that will be eligible for the historic centennial season of the NCAA, led by Bryan Sajonia, formerly of Far Eastern University.

All eight UAAP teams will comprise one group, while all ten NCAA teams will comprise the other group. Teams within each group will go through a single round robin, with the top four teams advancing into the crossover playoffs.

Overseeing the tournament are its regulars: Commissioners Joe Lipa and Bert dela Rosa, tournament director Bennett Palad, media head and consultant Virgil Villavicencio, and marketing and finance head Diana Layug.

In addition, the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup will also hold the Hanes 1-on-1 King of the Hardcourt tournament.

Ateneo set for preseason debut

Francis Lopez

Games Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre
10 a.m. - Lyceum vs. Arellano
12 p.m. - UE vs. NU
2 p.m. - Faith Colleges vs. La Salle
4 p.m. - Ateneo vs. UP

After a long wait, Ateneo kicks off its preseason on Wednesday afternoon at the 2023 edition of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

The Season 85 champions of the UAAP will be facing off against the team they snatched the title from in the University of the Philippines at 4pm, the final game of the scheduled quadruple-header.

The Blue Eagles are expected to field Mason Amos, who is fresh from a stint with the senior national team in Cambodia for the SEA Games. With veterans BJ Andrade, Ange Kouame, and Dave Ildefonso having graduated, it is now up to the holdovers to take on the leadership role, led by Sean Quitevis, and Paul Garcia, alongside the likes of Forthsky Padrigao, Kai Ballungay, and Geo Chiu, under Tab Baldwin's stewardship.

They will be up against a UP side that has lost back-to-back games, including a 90-83 defeat to La Salle this past Saturday.

Veterans Malick Diouf and CJ Cansino, alongside Francis Lopez seek to address their skid, whilst also dealing with injuries that have kept the Fighting Maroons short-handed so far.

In the other scheduled matchups, the Green Archers are seeking to lock in a postseason spot against winless Faith Colleges of Batangas at 2pm. DLSU is seeking to win their seventh straight game in the process.

Opening things up at 10am is Lyceum facing Arellano. The Chiefs are still seeking their first win so far, while the Pirates are hopeful to secure their third win in five matches.

Completing the slate is a noontime duel between the University of the East and National University. The Red Warriors are hoping to return to .500 after six games, while the Bulldogs are going for their second win in the tournament, which is sponsored by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, BDO, Reyes BBQ, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten.

Filoil preseason set for May

Preseason basketball is about to get underway in May, with the sixteenth edition of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup set to take place on May 6.

The defending champions of both the UAAP and the NCAA spearhead the field, as well as this tournament's titleholder National University, who clinched the title thanks to its Most Valuable Player John Lloyd Clemente.

It also serves as a major field test for schools who recently installed new head coaches to their posts, including the likes of Topex Robinson for DLSU, Denok Miranda for FEU, Chico Manabat for Arellano, John Kallos for San Sebastian, and Jerson Cabiltes for EAC.

The complete field is still set to be finalized, as well as the tournament format.

Overseeing the Preseason Cup will be chairman Rey Gamboa, commissioners Joe Lipa and Bert Dela Rosa, tournament director Bennett Palad, media head and consultant Virgil Villavicencio, and marketing and finance head Diana Layug.

Mapua forfeits Arellano game

Photo from Filoil EcoOil Sports

The Filoil Ecoil Sports released a statement on Monday morning pertaining to the Mapua Cardinals.

Statement is as follows:

Mapua University will be forfeiting its scheduled 1 p.m. game against Arellano University on Monday, Aug. 15 in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

Six players have high fever and are in isolation for non-COVID-19-related illnesses, making the Cardinals unable to field a team for their match against the Chiefs.

This will be the second time that Mapua is forced to forfeit a game after its game against National University on Sunday, Aug. 14.

The team will once again be tested for the Cardinals' final game on Sunday, Aug. 20 against Emilio Aguinaldo College and those who receive negative antigen tests will be cleared to play for the said game.

Filoil EcoOil Sports is putting the health and safety of the participants at an utmost priority with regular antigen tests conducted among players, coaches, and staff with the government-mandated protocols pursuant to those agreed upon by the organizers, the city government of San Juan, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) being consistently observed at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

 The Cardinals have yet to win a game in this preseason tournament.

Statement on UP's pullout from the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup

Here is the statement from the league re: UP not participating in the quarterfinals and onwards next week. 

Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup officials announced the pullout of the University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team for the remainder of the tournament.

In a joint statement with UP team officials, the matter was clarified for all fans, media, teams participating in the competition, and the league organizers.

“It is with regret that we announce the pulling out of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the quarterfinals stage of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup.”

Prior to the start of the tournament, we made plans on training abroad in the United States,” clarified head coach Bo Perasol. “Our training abroad was contingent upon our securing visas for our players of which there was no guarantee. As a team, we agreed that if we cannot be complete in our training abroad, we will not go at all."

“Since we have competed every year in the Filoil flying V Preseason Cup, we went ahead and took part. We received the approval of the approval of all our players the same week as we played our final match of the elimination round of Filoil against UST prompting us to scramble for our plans in training abroad.”

“The window for our training is small and unfortunately, it ran across the same time as the quarterfinals and onwards of the tournament.”

“We regret pulling out and promise to make this up in future Filoil Flying V Preseason Cups.”

“We deeply apologize to the fans, the media, the other teams in participating in the tournament, and most especially to the organizers of this wonderful tournament.”

The Centro Escolar University Scorpions, who finished fifth in Group A of the two division men’s basketball competition will take their place.

The quarterfinals tips off on Monday, June 17, 2019, at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

La Consolacion goes streaking in Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League

La Consolacion holding off a Letran offensive play

Make that three in a row for La Consolacion-Manila in the 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League, as the ISAA squad defeated Philippine Christian University in overtime, 89-83.

Jesse Bardaje took over in the extra period for the Blue Royals, scoring all eleven of the team's points to secure the win. He would finish with 21 points.

The Dolphins almost competed a dramatic comeback, having been down by as large as 23 points before forcing the extension. Jexter Tolentino scored a game-high 23 markers.

LCC-M previously produced upsets against National University and Letran before being tested by PCU.

The 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League is presented by Resorts World Manila, Bedans 62-66, and Cocolife.

Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup set for 13th season

The premier preseason tournament for collegiate basketball is set to kick off its 13th season this Sunday.

The Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup is set to commence with a triple-header at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan, highlighted by a pair of interesting collegiate match-ups.

At 2pm, new-look La Salle will be taking to the floor against a souped up University of Santo Tomas, which will then be followed by defending NCAA champions San Beda facing last season's losing finalists in the UAAP, the University of the Philippines.

All ten NCAA schools and six of the eight UAAP schools are set to participate in the seniors division, with both Ateneo de Manila and the University of the East citing their overseas training as the reason for their non-participation. The defending Preseason Cup champions will be unable to conduct their title defense due to the upcoming Jones Cup campaign.

Serving as the curtain-raiser at 11am is a new initiative by the league, a 11-under division composed of ten teams. Opening that specific tournament is a matchup between La Salle-Zobel and Xavier.

The high school division starts the next day, May 6, with two matches: Mapua/Malayan faces off against San Beda at 10am, followed by La Salle-Greenhills against Far Eastern University. Twelve squads will duke it out, led by the defending UAAP champions, Nazareth-NU. They will kick off against La Salle-Greenhills in a rematch of the NBTC National Finals.

The league is also bringing back one of its major side events from last year, the Hanes 1-on-1 tournament. CSB's Prince Carlos was the inaugural winner, and could potentially return for a title defense.

In addition, there will be an All-Star Game scheduled on the end of the month, with the best of the UAAP going up against the best of the NCAA. Tournament Director Joey Guillermo hinted in using social media to help determine who will be starting for each team, with the coaches set to fill out the rest of their respective All-Star squads.

Overall Tournament Commissioner Ato Badolato shares, "Every year, there is much anticipation for the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup because this is the tournament where teams can only field their actual line-ups for the upcoming NCAA and UAAP seasons,” pointed out over-all tournament commissioner Edmundo “Ato” Badolato. “There are new rookies, players who switch teams, newly-appointed coaches, and this year, this is last we will see of foreign players in the NCAA. Maybe for some, it will be emotional."

Sports5 has secured broadcast rights and will be showing select matches on their social media accounts, as well as on 5Plus.

Tickets for the matches can be purchased either at the gate or via Ticketnet.

For more information about the 13th Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup, one can check out their official Facebook page (Filoil Flying V Sports).

Mixed results for Letran in Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League play

La Consolacion vs Letran in Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League action

La Consolacion College of Manila overcame a sluggish start to turn back Letran in the 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League, 79-71, inside the Mendiola campus of San Beda on Tuesday.

The Knights rode on Kenny Rocacurba's hot shooting to establish a 10-1 lead early on, but TJ Cariño and the rest of the Blue Royals would survive their early struggles to eventually take a 41-33 halftime lead.

LCC-M would then open the third with an 11-2 run to take the biggest lead of the game at 52-36, but Letran answered that with their own run that eventually reduced that deficit to just four points with 5:41 left in the game, 66-62.

However, Gabriel Latoreno would stabilize things for La Consolacion with key baskets late to eventually secure their first win in league play.

Cariño led the winners with eighteen points, while Ahron Estacio added fourteen markers.

Rocacurba topped all scorers with 26 points, as Letran falls to 1-3 in Group B.

Letran did manage a win today through in the Juniors division, as the Squires easily dispatched Diliman Preparatory School, 100-60.

Shawn Umali and Andrei Romenez each scored thirteen points in the win, which keeps their record spotless at 3-0 in Group A.

Aaron Acop led the Junior Blue Dragons with seventeen points in their tournament debut.

The 25th edition of the Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League is presented by Resorts World Manila, Bedans 62-66, and Cocolife.