University of the Philippines’ Noy Remogat against National University. Photo from 19th FilOil Preseason Cup.MANILA — University of the Philippines staved off a late rally by National University for a 76-67 victory in the 19th FilOil Preseason Cup on Tuesday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The Fighting Maroons avoided a 20-point collapse as Veejay Pre starred with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists for their second straight win in the tournament.
”We just played as a team and moved the ball better,” said State U head coach Goldwin Monteverde, whose squad previously defeated University of Santo Tomas last Sunday, 82-78.
Equally vital was Noy Remogat, who notched eight points, 11 assists, and two steals, while Jacob Bayla contributed on both ends with nine points, four assists, three steals, and two rebounds.
On the other hand, the Bulldogs absorbed their first loss in two games despite trimming the deficit to as close as five, 61-66, after a three-pointer by Reinhard Jumamoy with still over five minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Jumamoy led NU with a game-high 20 points and three steals, while PJ Palacielo and Justine Garcia scored 10 points apiece in the loss.
Meanwhile, San Beda University moved past San Sebastian College, 75-67.
Jimmy Reyes paced the reigning NCAA men’s basketball champions, tallying 17 points, seven assists, and three steals for their first win of the summer tilt.
Newcomer and former UP Fighting Maroon Aldous Torculas also impressed for San Beda, posting 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Penny Estacio chipped in 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
Veteran Ralph Gabbat led the Golden Stags with 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists in the loss.
In the curtain-raiser, Emilio Aguinaldo College outlasted Arellano University in overtime, 91-88.
Newest General MJ Raymundo drained a crucial basket in the dying seconds and finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three assists as EAC opened its preseason campaign on the right note.
Also vital was veteran big man Wilmar Oftana, who had 19 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, while Jacob Shanoda and Jude Bagay added 15 and 11 points, respectively.
On the other hand, rookie Ray Ladica had a game-high 20 points and seven rebounds for Arellano, which missed a chance to force a second overtime after Aaron Manansala missed a three-pointer at the buzzer.