THE INDEPENDENCE Day battle among the four remaining teams in the FilOil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup did not disappoint, with two games going to the wire yesterday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons avenged their UAAP Finals loss by defeating De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 69-66.
The Green Archers held hostage the Diliman-based squad with their 29-6 second-quarter outburst, which gave them a 23-43 lead against the Fighting Maroons.
But UP’s talented roster replied with a 46-point second half, securing their second championship in the highly anticipated preseason event.
Gerry Abadiano spearheaded their comeback in the second half, scoring 12 points and earning him the Puso Pilipinas Finals MVP honors.
“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.”
JD Cagulangan scored 13 points and added five rebounds and four assists, while Francis Lopez had eight points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Meanwhile, Kevin Quiambao led his team as usual with 14 points and 10 rebounds, but he missed two crucial three-pointers in the final seven minutes.
CJ Austria also scored 14 points for the Green Archers, all in a losing effort that forced them to settle for silver for the second consecutive year.
FEU’s podium finish
Meanwhile, in an earlier game, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws defeated the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Knights, 80-78, thanks to Jorick Bautista’s strong shooting.
The Morayta-based team faced a five-point deficit, 67-62, to begin the fourth quarter after leading by as many as 17 points only to watch it vanish.
Bautista, on the other hand, caught fire for the Tamaraws and led the team on a 10-3 run that included three-pointers and layups. FEU then maintained a 75-73 lead as the clock ticked.
Letran had several opportunities to grab the lead but was unable to do so due to several mistakes and missed free throws. Bautista then made a three-pointer with 43 seconds left, breaking hearts once more.
Deo Cuajao, who was also having a good shooting night, hit a triple for the Muralla team, trimming the margin to three, 76-79, with 30 seconds left, but FEU closed the game with a strong defense.
Bautista led FEU with 21 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Royce Alforque contributed 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Cuajao led the Knights with 27 points, 21 of which came from beyond the three-point line, five rebounds, and three assists, while Titing Manalili contributed 15 points, seven assists, and two rebounds.
League leaders
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Quiambao’s efforts throughout the season were rewarded after he bagged the tournament’s Smart Sports Season MVP honors.
Meanwhile, the Mythical Five and All-Tournament 1st team consisted of UP’s Cagulangan and Lopez, FEU and Letran’s rookies Veejay Pre and Manalili, as well as DLSU’s Quiambao.
The Tela.com Athletics All-Tournament 2nd Team included Harold Alarcon (UP), Jonnel Policarpio (La Salle), Jedrick Daa (FEU), Allen Liwag (College of St. Benilde), and Jomel Puno (San Beda University).
Given the level of play displayed day in and day out, this year’s preseason was a valuable experience for everyone who competed. These clubs will surely take these lessons back to their respective leagues.
