The UPHSD Altas secured a hard-fought 68-64 victory over the LPU Pirates in a tightly contested Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup matchup on June 23, 2026. The game, played at an electric pace, showcased the Altas' defensive resilience and ability to close out a close game when it mattered most.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams displayed the intensity of a postseason clash, despite this being a preseason fixture. The Altas managed to build a slight lead in the first half, but the Pirates kept clawing back behind aggressive drives and timely three-pointers. The score fluctuated throughout the third quarter, with neither side able to pull away by more than six points. In the end, UPHSD's composure in the final two minutes proved decisive.

Key Moments

• First Half Surge: The Altas used a 10-2 run late in the second quarter to take a 34-28 lead into halftime.
• Pirates' Third‑Quarter Response: LPU came out firing after the break, tying the game at 45 apiece with a three-point play by their forward.
• Clutch Defense: With the score locked at 62-62 and under two minutes remaining, the Altas forced back-to-back turnovers and converted them into fast-break layups.
• Free‑Throw Finish: UPHSD made 4 of 6 free throws in the final 30 seconds to seal the 68-64 win.

Standout Players

While no official box score is available, the Altas' backcourt was instrumental, with their point guard orchestrating the offense and hitting a critical mid‑range jumper with 1:10 left. The team's big men also controlled the defensive glass, limiting LPU to only one offensive rebound in the last five minutes. For the Pirates, their leading scorer kept them in the game with a mix of drives and pull‑up jumpers, but he ran out of gas in the closing stretch.

Tactical Story

UPHSD head coach emphasized ball movement and half‑court defense, which paid off as the Altas held the Pirates to just 64 points – well below LPU’s preseason average. The Altas also effectively switched on screens, disrupting LPU’s pick‑and‑roll actions. On offense, UPHSD relied on patience, working the shot clock to find high‑percentage looks inside the paint. The Pirates, meanwhile, struggled with shot selection in the final quarter, settling for contested three‑pointers that didn't fall.

Impact and Context

This preseason win gives the Altas momentum heading into the remainder of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. For the Pirates, the narrow loss serves as a learning experience in late‑game execution. Both teams will look to fine‑tune their rotations before the main collegiate season begins. The match also offered a glimpse of potential dark‑horse contenders, as UPHSD showcased a disciplined system that could trouble stronger opponents later in the tournament.