NU Stuns La Salle in Preseason Cup Opener

National University pulled off a stunning upset over reigning UAAP champion De La Salle University, 70-64, on the opening day of the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive on Sunday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Reinhard Jumamoy iced the Bulldogs’ surprise victory by calmly converting six free throws in the final minute, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists, helping NU withstand La Salle’s late surge.

NU showcased a balanced effort with Mo Diassana posting nine points and 11 rebounds, PJ Palacielo contributing eight points and six boards, and DJ Laconsay adding eight points and two rebounds.

“Hindi naman dapat na statement win ito eh,” said coach Jeff Napa, downplaying the triumph as the Bulldogs usher in a new era without key players Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Jolo Manansala. “We’re starting a new season, a new generation for this team, so we’re just focusing on learning and implementing our system.”

For La Salle, Jacob Cortez tried to carry the load with 13 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while Mason Amos also scored 13 points, including three triples. The Green Archers faced a tough start without Mike Phillips and Kean Baclaan.

Meanwhile, three-time defending preseason champion University of the Philippines overcame a second-half deficit to edge University of Santo Tomas, 82-78.

Veejay Pre, making his Fighting Maroons debut, scored seven of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, including a pivotal triple with 3:51 left that gave UP a 75-69 lead. He also contributed four rebounds and two assists.

Rey Remogat sealed the win with a driving layup to keep UP ahead, 79-73, with 1:34 remaining, finishing with 12 points, six assists, and four rebounds. “Being able to regroup and adjust in the second half is the kind of experience we’ll need in the UAAP,” said coach Goldwin Monteverde. Migs Yniguez added 10 points, and Lowell Briones chipped in nine points and five rebounds.

UST’s Mark Llemit had a scorching night with 22 points, including four triples, while Collins Akowe delivered a dominant 19-point, 16-rebound double-double, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

In the curtain-raiser, Mapua debuted new coach Chito Victolero with an 87-66 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University. Yam Concepcion led five Cardinals in double figures with 20 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Cyrus Nitura flirted with a triple-double, posting 12 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Sebastian Reyes also added 15 points and eight rebounds. Rookie guard Jamal Diaz impressed with 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds in his starting debut.

“Maraming trabaho because I need to rebuild this team. That’s why I told them to fast-track their mental toughness for a stronger showing,” said Victolero.

For Lyceum, Matthew Rubico led with 15 points and seven assists, while Roger Ondoa added 10 points off the bench under coach Jamike Jarin.