La Salle maintains clean slate with domination of Ateneo in Filoil tilt

De La Salle University kept their record in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup spotless as they dominated Ateneo de Manila University, 72-59, on Sunday in San Juan.

The Green Archers relied on a strong third quarter performance as it outscored the Blue Eagles, 23-13, in the said period to end the frame at 55-41. The Taft-based squad did not look back as they led by as much as 20, 72-52, with 2:09 remaining in the final frame before they got the win.

The Green and White led, 32-28, at the end of the first half.

Evan Nelle had 12 points, seven assists, and three rebounds, while Mark Nonoy, Joshua David, and Kevin Quiambao had 11 points apiece. Mike Philips registered 10 points and 10 rebounds in La Salle's eighth win in the tournament.

Kai Ballungay, meanwhile, was the only double digit scorer for the Katipunan-based squad with 18 points.

With the loss, Ateneo remained winless in three games.

Earlier, Lyceum of the Philippines University and Mapua University notched wins in the preseason tourney.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News