The UP Fighting Maroons delivered a statement performance in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, dismantling the DLSU Green Archers 98–69 on July 6, 2026. The emphatic victory at the Filoil EcoOil Centre underlined the Maroons' depth and championship ambitions just weeks before the start of the UAAP season.

Match Overview

From the opening tip-off, UP seized control with relentless defensive pressure and crisp ball movement. The Maroons built a double-digit lead by the end of the first quarter and never looked back, stretching the advantage to as many as 31 points in the second half. DLSU, a traditionally strong program, struggled to find any rhythm against a swarming UP defense that forced 19 turnovers and limited the Green Archers to just 38% shooting from the field.

Key Performers

UP's balanced scoring attack featured five players in double figures. Veteran guard Gerry Abadiano orchestrated the offense with 14 points and 7 assists, while forward Malick Diouf dominated the glass with a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds. Rookie sensation Francisco "Kiko" Lopez added 18 points off the bench, showcasing his instant-offense ability that had been a highlight of the preseason.

For DLSU, Evan Nelle led the way with 19 points and 4 assists, but he received little support from his teammates. The Green Archers' frontcourt was outrebounded 46–29, and their perimeter shooters went a combined 5-of-24 from three-point range.

Tactical Story

UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde deployed a switching defense that confused DLSU's pick-and-roll actions, forcing the Green Archers into contested perimeter shots. Offensively, the Maroons pushed the pace at every opportunity, scoring 22 fast-break points. They also exploited mismatches in the post, with Diouf and Carl Tamayo (12 points) consistently drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line, where UP shot 82% as a team.

Season Impact

The 29-point margin is the largest in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup between these two UAAP rivals this year. For UP, the win solidifies their status as one of the preseason favorites. The Maroons have now won four straight games in the tournament. DLSU, meanwhile, will need to address their defensive rotations and offensive flow before the regular season begins. The Green Archers fall to 2–3 in the preseason, with areas for improvement clearly identified.

With the UAAP season approaching, this convincing victory serves as a strong statement from the Fighting Maroons that they remain the team to beat in collegiate basketball.