CSB falls to Adamson in highly physical game; La Salle stuns FEU in Filoil tilt

College of Saint Benilde fell short in its comeback attempt against Adamson University, absorbing an 80-75 loss to open its 2022 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup campaign on Saturday in San Juan.

Joem Sabandal led the rally for the Soaring Falcons after starring with a game-high 18 points, four rebounds, and three steals while Cedrick Manzano chipped in 12 markers and six boards.

CSB trailed by as many as 12 points in the payoff period, 63-75, but they mounted a fightback to cut the deficit to six after back-to-back triples from Frederick Pasturan for a 69-75 spread.

But Adamson held on en route to completing its first victory in the preseason buildup match where two CSB players went down bleeding with Prince Carlos and transferee Migs Oczon suffering cuts.

Migs Corteza led CSB with 19 points and six rebounds while big man Will Gozum chimed in with 16 markers, five boards, and three assists.

"We didn't expect that to be physical but it will help us in our preparation [for next season]," said Adamson head coach Nash Racela. 

Earlier, De La Salle University turned back Far Eastern University, 65-49, behind a stellar outing from Mike Phillips who logged a huge double-double performance as the Green Archers opened their bid on a rousing note.

Phillips unleashed 12 points and 11 rebounds while Bright Nwankwo registered 14 markers and seven boards in the victory.

—JMB, GMA News