UNIVERSITY of the Philippines continued its hot streak while Gardner College finally scored its breakthrough win in the PG Flex Invitational Tournament 2025 Quintana Cup on Thursday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Trumpeted as one of the next important pieces of the Diliman-base school, Veejay Pre tallied 14 points and 14 rebounds in another superb all-around game to help power the UP Maroons to an 88-55 shellacking of the San Sebastian - their fourth win in five games.
Gardner breakthrough
Meantime, Gardner caught Manila Central University in its worst form and romped to a surprise 74-54 win for its first win in five games of the preseason tournament.
Two-time UCAL champion Diliman College kept its winning streak going after downing Immaculada Concepcion College, 81-74, thanks to the 26-point explosion of Leonard Maraña.
Though former NCAA Finals MVP James Payosing was held to just 7 points this time, he grabbed 10 rebounds and issued 8 assists to help the Maroons pad their lead to 49-28 at halftime break.
Deante Miles led the Maroons with 15 points while Elliot Dimaculangan, Rain Maga and LA Andres combined for 31 points in another show of force. Jew Hinoquin and Renz Bernardo paced the Stags with 17 and 10 points, respectively.
John Patrick Buena struck hardest for Gardner, logging in 22 points, 6 boards and 4 assists in almost 25 minutes of action while Khen Palaroan added 10 points.
Larana was ably supported by Solomon Kone (17 points and 12 rebounds) and Matthew Calilong (13) as the Diliman Blue Dragons improved their record to 3-2 in the event backed by Smart Sports, Crane, Topflite, Hapee Toothpaste, Gerry’s Grill, Spalding, Mighty Bond and Best Options.
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