UP Remains Undefeated, Tops Gilas Youth

The University of the Philippines (UP) kept its perfect record intact in the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, overpowering Gilas Pilipinas Youth 92-74 on Thursday in San Juan.

The game also provided the young national team a valuable learning opportunity against a seasoned collegiate squad. The Fighting Maroons relied on a balanced offensive attack to stay atop the UAAP Group with a 3-0 record.

Former national youth team player Jacob Bayla spearheaded UP’s effort with 10 points and three rebounds, helping the Fighting Maroons extend their strong start.

“For us, it’s about building good habits. We still have a long way to go, and it’s a privilege to help the national team prepare for the SEABA tournament,” said UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon.

Veejay Pre added 11 points, Gani Stevens contributed nine points and eight rebounds, and Elliot Dimaculangan also chipped in nine, securing UP’s third win of the tournament.

For Gilas Youth, Kyle Sardon led the scoring with 20 points, while Ethan Aguas added 12 points and four rebounds, and Bruce Tubongbanua contributed 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists. The young Nationals, however, suffered their second consecutive loss in the preseason.

Meanwhile, National University (NU) earned its second victory in three games by defeating an undermanned Adamson squad, 74-66. Mo Diassana powered the Bulldogs with 11 points and eight rebounds, while PJ Palacielo also delivered with 11 points and six boards.

“Every game is a chance to learn and adapt. We just have to correct what we can to improve each game,” said NU coach Jeff Napa.

NU broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring the Soaring Falcons 22-0 to take a 65-43 lead, later extending it to 67-43 early in the fourth. Noah Pacquiao led Adamson with 19 points.

In other action, Letran and San Beda both notched their second wins in the NCAA bracket. Letran defeated San Sebastian 96-85, powered by Daniel Sison-Walker’s 26 points and four rebounds. Chad Gammad added 16 points, Syrex Silorio posted 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Justine Hugo chipped in 10 points and nine rebounds. Letran led by as many as 20 points during the contest. Ralph Gabat paced the Golden Stags with 20 points and eight rebounds in the loss.

San Beda remained unbeaten after cruising past Lyceum of the Philippines 102-77. Daniel Marcelo made an immediate impact with 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds, while Aldous Torculas added 15 points and five rebounds, and Lawrence Hawkins contributed 14 points and nine boards. Renz Villegas led Lyceum with 20 points, but the Pirates fell to 1-2.