NU, FEU trounce separate foes in FilOil caging

National University and Far Eastern U overcame slow starts to beat separate rivals on Friday in the FilOil Flying V Hanes Preseason Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan City. The Bulldogs went on a 14-2 run in the final seven minutes to beat the Arellano U Chiefs, 55-47, while the Tamaraws rallied from a 10-point third quarter deficit in pulling off a 77-65 decision against Mapua. NU and FEU improved to 3-0 to earn the top ranking in groups A and B, but both coaches, NU's Eric Altamirano and FEU's Bert Flores admitted they still lack rhythm. Arellano led for the last time in the 7:02 mark of the fourth period behind Charles Mammie's two free throws, 45-41. NU answered with a 12-0 run, kicked off by 6-foot-4 Filipino-American Ray Parks' three-pointer, to grab a 53-45 lead. Altamirano instructed his team to play the zone defense in that four-minute stretch. "It was an ugly game for us but the important thing for us now is to learn and develop ourselves for the upcoming UAAP season," said Altamirano, who took over as NU's coach after handling the Philippine Youth team. Parks paced the Sampaloc-based cagers with 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals in 29 minutes, while ex-UST high school guard Cedrick Labing-isa added 13 markers. Mammie had 21 points and 12 boards but Arellano remained winless in three games. Meanwhile, the Tamaraws used a closing 17-1 blitz to beat the Cardinals. "Wala pa kami sa kundisyon medyo wala pa kami sa sistema," said coach Bert Flores. "Pero buti na lang, dumipensa yung mga bench players naming." Pipo Noundou led FEU with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while 2010 UAAP Rookie of the Year Terrence Romeo had 16 points. Season 73 MVP RR Garcia added 10 markers. In the other game, Adamson beat University of the Philippines, 65-57. It was the Falcons' second win in three games. The Falcons, who trailed 15-7 at the end of the first quarter, got 12 points from Lester Alvarez. Adamson survived Mike Silungan's 30-point performance to send the Maroons down to 1-2. – JVP, GMA News