THE finalists from the last two years will meet earlier than expected in the Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive, as the University of the Philippines seeks to extend its title reign against still-perfect La Salle in the semifinals.
The Fighting Maroons and the Green Archers re-engage following contrasting quarterfinals wins, Friday at the Playtime Cares Filoil Centre in San Juan.
First, State U, the back-to-back defending champion, leaned on Gerry Abadiano and Gani Stevens to fight off very game Benilde, 82-80.
With the tally tied at 73-all inside the last five minutes, Abadiano's three and midrange jumper bookended nine unanswered points that sent UP in front, 82-73.
Allen Liwag then had the answer for Benilde, scoring four points in a 7-0 run that pulled them within two, 80-82, with 36.1 seconds left. After a defensive stop, they even got the chance to pull off the upset, but Raffy Celis muffed on his layup and triple attempts.
"Lucky kami na nananalo kami, na may learnings kami na nakukuha, pero marami pa kaming room for improvement," said Abadiano.
In the end, Abadiano fired 24 points and five rebounds, as Stevens posted a 12-marker, 10-board double-double to make sure the Fighting Maroons moved on to the next round of the tourney 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.
La Salle sets up another day with UP
Later on, La Salle set up a date with its modern-day rival after riding another third quarter run to blow past upstart Arellano, 95-77.
Mason Amos got 15 points, as JC Macalalag contributed 12 markers with Kean Baclaan collecting 12 points of his own along with 10 rebounds and three assists.
The Green Archers, however, were staring at a one-point deficit, 59-60, early in the second half against the brave Chiefs before going on a 20-2 tear bridging the third and fourth quarters for a 79-62 advantage.
The closest Arellano could come from there was down 12, 70-82, at the 6:58 mark of the final frame only to see Macalalag score on an and-one then a three-pointer to put his side back up 88-70.
Now, La Salle sets its sights on redemption after UP bested them in the past two finals of the preseason tournament, as well as the UAAP Season 87 title series.
T-Mc Ongotan paced the Chiefs with 17 points and five rebounds, while Maverick Vinoya chimed in 11 markers and seven boards. While they were eliminated, the quarterfinals finish is a step in the right direction under third-year shot-caller Chico Manabat.
For the Blazers, Liwag turned in a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds. For the third year in a row, they fell short of advancing to the semifinals.
The Scores:
First Game
UP 82 - Abadiano 24, Stevens 12, Alarcon 11, Nnoruka 11, Belmonte 9, Fortea 5, Bayla 4, Gagate 4, Briones 2, Torres 0, Felicilda 0, Andres 0
BENILDE 80 - Liwag 22, Moore 16, Torres 12, Ynot 10, Oli 7, Celis 5, Gaspay 2, Cometa 2, Eusebio 2, Ancheta 2, Umali 0, Morales 0, Gonzaga 0
Quarters: 21-19, 50-41, 65-61, 82-80
Fourth Game
LA SALLE 95 - Amos M 15, Baclaan 12, Macalalag 12, Cortez J 9, Phillips 9, Marasigan 9, Abadam 8, Dungo 8, Pablo 7, Nwankwo 4, Dagdag 2, Cortez M 0, Quines 0, Melencio 0
ARELLANO 77 - Ongotan 17, Vinoya 11, Borromeo 10, Valencia 10, Camay 8, Libang 4, Hernal 4, Buenaventura 3, Cabotaje 3, Abiera 3,
Quarters: 24-25, 53-48, 72-62, 95-77
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