San Beda, Perpetual off to 2-0 start in FilOil Preseason tiff

San Beda University and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA got off to a rousing start in the 2024 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup after defeating their respective foes on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The reigning NCAA champions Red Lions averted a collapse against a familiar foe in Lyceum of the Philippines University, 76-66, to improve to 2-0 early in the tournament.  

Sophomore Jomel Puno led the way with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds while RC Calimag chipped in 10 markers and two boards as they remained perfect despite still missing the services of Yukien Andrada and James Payosing, who were both sidelined during their opener against rival Colegio de San Juan de Letran last week. 

The Pirates, on the other hand, slipped to a 0-2 hole. 

Meanwhile, the ALTAs likewise hiked their standing to 2-0 after Christian Pagaran and Axl Manuel connived to steer Perpetual to a 77-69 victory against Colegio de San Juan de Letran. 

The graduating Pagaran churned out a game-high 21 points he laced with five rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks while Manuel shone off the bench with 14 markers. 

Perpetual, which was coming off a double overtime win against Jose Rizal University last Saturday, sent the rebuilding Knights to their second straight loss to go 0-2. 

In the other games, Arellano University kicked off its campaign with a tight 80-79 escape against JRU. 

The Chico Manabat-mentored squad banked on the troika of T-Mc Ongotan, Troy Valencia, and newcomer King Vinoya. Ongotan and Valencia poured in 15 points each while Vinoya chimed in with 13 markers as they opened its bid with a 1-0 start. 

The Heavy Bombers, on the other hand, dropped to 0-2. 

Defending UAAP champion De La Salle University bounced back from a previous loss to UP after denying a new-loss UST side, 68-61, with Kevin Quiambao and Jonnel Policarpio taking charge. 

The Green Archers improved to 1-1 while UST slipped to 0-1. 

FEU kept Adamson University winless in two games after the Tamaraws eked out a 77-67 triumph with Janrey Pasaol erupting for 25 points alongside seven assists, three rebounds, and a steal as they went 1-0. 

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News