Letran's Titing Manalili in action against San Sebastian in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, June 20, 2025 at the Filoil Centre in San Juan. Handout/Filoil
MANILA -- Colegio de San Juan de Letran is through to the quarterfinals of the 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup after a 75-68 victory vs. San Sebastian, Friday at the PlayTime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
It was also the sixth straight win for the Knights, who have stamped their class in the NCAA bracket so far in the preseason tournament.
Deo Cuajao dropped 11 points and three assists, while Titing Manalili and Jimboy Estrada chipped in 10 points apiece for Letran, which improved to 7-1 -- good for solo leadership of the NCAA group.
A 9-0 Golden Stags run led by rookie Ian Cuajao tied up the tally at 63-all with under six minutes to play. Manalili's personal 8-0 blast, however, stopped them dead in their tracks before another Syrex Silorio basket re-established Letran's lead to 10, 73-63.
"Although we won the game, shaky on both ends, offense and defense. Hindi ko nakita yung tamang attitude at body language," said head coach Allen Ricardo.
Cuajao wound up with 15 points for San Sebastian, as fellow rookie Andre Lumanag also shone bright with 19 markers and three boards.
Meanwhile, Mo Konateh’s 23-point, 20-rebound double-double proved to be the difference for Far Eastern University to earn a 68-66 overtime triumph over Adamson.
Jorick Bautista added 21 points for the now 3-1 Tamaraws, as Matty Erolon drained 17 points built on three triples for the Soaring Falcons who remain winless through three tries.
Also joining NCAA bracket victors in the tourney are Arellano and Perpetual.
The Chiefs banked on T-Mc Ongotan and his 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists to upset reigning NCAA champion Mapua, 76-73, and improve to 2-3.
John Abis then tallied 13 points to lift the Altas over Jose Rizal University, 65-64, for their second straight win and third overall in seven games.
For the 1-5 Heavy Bombers, Jay Garupil scattered 13 points, Cyrus Nitura delivered 15 markers, seven rebounds, and four assists for the 4-3 Cardinals.
The Scores:
First Game
LETRAN 75— Cuajao 11, Estrada 10, Manalili 10, Silorio 9, Roque 8, Tapenio 8, Yusi 6, Rosillo 5, Montecillo 3, Buensalida 3, Omega 2, Poli 0
SAN SEBASTIAN 68— Lumanag 19, Cuajao 15, Pillado 9, Cabilla 9, Nepacena 7, Castor 4, Gabat 2, Ricio 2, Gomez de Liaño 1, Dimaunahan 0
Quarters: 20-15, 41-30, 59-51, 75-68
Second Game
FEU 68— Konateh 23, Bautista 21, Pasaol 13, Ona 4, Bagunu 4, Mongcopa 2, Daa 1, Montemayor 0, Felipe 0, Nakai 0, Salangsang 0
ADAMSON 66— Erolon 17, Medina 13, Montebon 10, Perez 10, Tumaneng 4, Manzano 4, Ronzone 2, Ojarikre 2, Sajili 2, Competente 2, Anabo 0, Barcelona 0, Fransman 0
Quarters: 17-22, 36-26, 41-48, 60-60, 68-66
Third Game
PERPETUAL 65— Abis 13, Casinillo 11, Sleat 11, Pagulayan 9, Boral 7, Alcantara 4, Gojo Cruz 4, Nunez 2, Duremdes 2, Maglupay 2, Orgo 0, Tulabut 0, Gelsano 0, Borja 0
JRU 64— Garupil 13, Peñaverde 11, Argente 11, Panapanaan 8, Lozano 6, Benitez 4, Esguerra 4, Pangilinan 3, Herrera 2, Castillo 2
Quarters: 20-18, 30-30, 49-49, 65-64
Fourth Game
ARELLANO 76— Ongotan 16, Libang 12, Camay 10, Vinoya 7, Borromeo 6, Hernal 6, Cabotaje 4, Geronimo 4, Flores 3, Langit 3, Miller 3, Abiera 2, Espiritu 0, Buenaventura 0, Anama 0, Demetria 0
MAPUA 73— Nitura 15, Cuenco 14, Recto 10, Delos Reyes 9, Concepcion 6, Abdulla 5, Igliane 5, Escamis 5, Gonzales 3, Gulapa 1, Lazarte 0, Callangan 0
Quarters: 21-16, 36-34, 58-55, 76-73