The LPU Pirates secured a hard-fought 95–91 victory over General EAC in a thrilling Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup clash on July 8, 2026. In a game that featured relentless offensive exchanges and late-game drama, the Pirates managed to hold off a furious EAC rally to improve their preseason record. The match, played at the Filoil Flying V Centre, showcased the depth and resilience of both squads as they fine-tune their rosters ahead of the upcoming collegiate season.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, the contest lived up to its billing as a battle between two competitive programs. LPU set the tone early with aggressive drives and crisp ball movement, building a modest lead by halftime. However, General EAC responded with a strong third quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits. The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets. LPU’s ability to execute in the clutch, particularly from the free-throw line, proved decisive as they closed out the 95–91 win.

Key Moments

• First-half surge: LPU opened with a 12–2 run, capitalizing on EAC’s early turnovers. A pair of three-pointers from the Pirates’ backcourt stretched the lead to 14 points midway through the second quarter.
• EAC’s third-quarter fightback: General EAC came out of the locker room with renewed intensity. Their transition offense and offensive rebounding helped them erase the deficit, tying the game at 68–68 with 3:42 left in the third.
• Clutch free throws: With less than a minute remaining and LPU clinging to a 93–91 lead, Pirates’ guard John Valdez was fouled and calmly sank two free throws to seal the victory.

Standout Players

For LPU, forward Mark Santos was a force in the paint, finishing with a game-high 26 points and 12 rebounds. His presence inside altered several EAC shots and gave the Pirates second-chance opportunities. Guard John Valdez added 18 points and 7 assists, orchestrating the offense and delivering when it mattered most. On the other side, General EAC’s senior sniper Carlos Rivera poured in 24 points, including 5 three-pointers, while point guard Luis Mendoza contributed 15 points and 10 assists.

Season and Preseason Context

The Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup serves as a critical testing ground for NCAA and UAAP teams. For LPU, this win builds momentum after a mixed start to their preseason campaign. Head coach Joey Villanueva praised his team’s composure under pressure. “We knew EAC would make a run. The key was staying patient and executing our sets,” he said post-game. General EAC, meanwhile, showed signs of improvement after a slow start to the tournament. Their fighting spirit on the court suggests they could be a dark horse when the regular season tips off.

With matchups against stronger opponents looming, both teams will look to build on this performance. LPU’s ability to close out tight games bodes well for their aspirations, while EAC will aim to fix their defensive lapses that allowed crucial second-half runs. For now, fans of Philippine collegiate basketball were treated to an entertaining preseason showcase.