La Salle and NU Clinch Crossover Quarterfinal Berths

UAAP De La Salle and National University secured spots in the crossover quarterfinals of the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup after picking up important wins on Thursday in San Juan.

In the UAAP Group, the Green Archers defeated Gilas Pilipinas Youth, 97-76, while the Bulldogs pulled away from University of Santo Tomas, 90-74. Both teams improved to 4-1 and locked in top-four finishes.

Earl Abadam and JC Macalalag led La Salle with 14 points each, as the Green Archers pulled away with a 31-point fourth quarter. Jacob Cortez added 12 points and nine assists.

Joaquin Tovera paced Gilas Pilipinas Youth with 16 points.

For National University, Reinhard Jumamoy continued his strong play with 21 points and five assists. Edson Serrano scored 13 points, while rookie Kurl Figueroa contributed 10 points and six rebounds.

Coach Jeff Napa stressed the need for his young players to quickly adapt with the UAAP season just three months away.

UST dropped to 2-3 after Gelo Crisostomo was limited to six points and Collins Akowe was held in check inside.

In the NCAA Group, Emilio Aguinaldo College survived a late rally to edge St. Benilde, 96-93. Wilmar Oftana hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 37.6 seconds remaining and sealed the win from the free-throw line. EJ Castillo led EAC with 22 points.

Perpetual Help routed San Sebastian, 77-58, behind a balanced attack. JD Pagulayan scored 11 points as 14 of the 16 players who entered the game scored for the Altas. Coach Olsen Racela credited the team’s improved purpose and effort.

San Sebastian fell to 0-5.