UP survives Mapua scare as three NCAA squads storm Filoil Preseason Cup semifinals

Defending champion University of the Philippines stayed on course for a fourth consecutive Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup crown after outlasting Mapua, 67-64, in the quarterfinals on Friday in San Juan.

Jacob Bayla delivered the biggest shot of the game, draining a corner three-pointer with 2:22 left to give the Fighting Maroons a 63-58 cushion. He also spearheaded UP's defensive stand in the closing minutes, limiting Mapua's Cyrus Cuenco and Lance Nitura to help preserve the victory.

The third-year winger finished with 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists as UP remained the lone UAAP team left in the tournament.

"We did have difficulties especially on the defensive end. But bottomline naman para sa akin, the team responded well especially towards the fourth quarter. Yung depensa namin was tighter kung kelan naman kailangan," said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

"I think yun naman ang isang bagay na gusto namin i-improve, na when the challenge is there, we respond to it."

Gani Stevens provided a lift off the bench with 13 points and five rebounds, while Veejay Pre contributed nine points and five boards. Cuenco paced the Cardinals with 19 points and five assists.

UP now faces San Beda in the semifinals after the Red Lions stunned De La Salle University, 64-59.

Zed Etulle scored five of San Beda's last seven points before Penny Estacio sealed the upset with two free throws with 15.3 seconds remaining.

"We know people were doubting but we made sure our guys believe that we could win," San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta said after the Red Lions defeated the reigning NCAA and UAAP champions.

Etulle and Dom Sarigumba each scored 10 points, with Sarigumba adding seven assists and six rebounds.

The victory marked the first time since 2017 that three NCAA teams advanced to the semifinals of the prestigious preseason tournament. La Salle, meanwhile, was led by Jacob Cortez, who posted 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

The NCAA is also guaranteed a finalist for the first time since 2019 after Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Jose Rizal University secured the other semifinal pairing.

Letran escaped University of Santo Tomas, 103-102, in overtime behind a dramatic finish from George Diamante.

Trailing 96-89 in the extra period, the Knights mounted a remarkable rally, capped by Diamante's steal on Kirk Cañete and game-winning layup with 4.6 seconds left.

"I'm happy na yung composure nila down the stretch, hindi talaga bumitaw. Totally full effort lang ang ginawa namin at importante lang sa amin kung paano kami makipag-compete at the highest level," said Letran coach Allen Ricardo.

Diamante recovered from earlier miscues to register 11 points, seven rebounds, four steals, three blocks, and three assists.

Kurt Gammad exploded for 27 points behind seven three-pointers, while Jimboy Estrada added 22 points and four rebounds. Titing Manalili orchestrated the offense with a tournament-best 15 assists, along with 12 points and six rebounds.

UST wasted a stellar outing from Amiel Acido, who tallied 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Koji Buenaflor chipped in 18 points and six rebounds.

In the final quarterfinal matchup, Jose Rizal University edged National University, 62-61, thanks to a late-game takeover by rookie guard Jalen Garcia.

Garcia scored 10 of his 17 points in the final five minutes as the Heavy Bombers erased a 56-49 fourth-quarter deficit to eliminate the favored Bulldogs. Chris Hubilla added 15 points and two steals before fouling out in the closing minute.

"Sabi ko nga sa kanila if ever we lose, bakasyon na kami. And tinanong ko sila kung yun ba yung gusto nila and sumagot sila ng hindi. If you don't want to go to vacation this early, eh di trabahuin natin possession-by-possession. Wala nang sorry, wala nang 'akin ito.' Kailangan lahat ngayon tama na," JRU head coach Nani Epondulan said.

Reinhard Jumamoy and Mo Diassana scored 13 points each for National University in the losing effort.