UP escapes UST to launch four-peat bid; NU, Mapua beat La Salle, LPU in Filoil Preseason Cup

The University of the Philippines bucked a slow start to complete an 82-78 win over University of Santo Tomas in the opener of its title defense bid at the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Sunday.

The Fighting Maroons once stared at an 11-point deficit after the Growling Tigers built a 28-17 lead, thanks to back-to-back triples from Mark Llemit early in the second period. However, the three-time defending champions restored order in the second half to pull off the narrow four-point victory.

UP, now starting its life after the 'Maroon 5' era, got a huge game from the transferee Veejay Pre as the former FEU star dropped 17 points laced with four rebounds, two assists, and a steal while holdover Rey Remogat chipped in 12 markers, six dimes, and four boards.

Meanwhile, National University upset reigning UAAP champions De La Salle University with a 70-64 stunner behind Reinhard Jumamoy and Mo Diassana.

Jumamoy top-scored with 15 points and grabbed five rebounds and two assists while Diassana flirted with a double-double effort of nine points and 11 rebounds as the Bulldogs gained some measure of revenge against the Green Archers, who beat them twice in UAAP Season 88 Final Four last year.

Jacob Cortez and Mason Amos led the fight for La Salle with 13 points each while JC Macalalag chipped in 10.

In the NCAA bracket, Mapua University opened its post-Clint Escamis era with a statement 87-66 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Yam Concepcion, one of the few remaining holdovers from the Cardinals’ Season 100 championship squad, showed he is ready to take on a bigger role after tallying 20 points, four rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and one steal.

Mapua also handed head coach Chito Victolero a fitting win in his return to the sidelines.

—JKC, GMA News