FilOil: Newcomers deliver as JRU stuns Letran; FEU dominates Gilas Youth

New recruits delivered to help Jose Rizal University stun a stacked Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 80-70, in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Monday.

Transferees Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat, both part of Mapua University's championship team in NCAA Season 100, lived up to expectations and poured in 13 and 10 points, respectively, with the latter also grabbing nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the huge upset over the Knights.

JRU also drew a huge game from Ivan Panapanaan, who posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds as JRU got off to a good start in its second year under head coach Nani Epondulan.

The Heavy Bombers turned a 29-33 deficit into a 45-37 lead after closing out the first half with a 16-4 rampage led by Season 101 All-Defensive Team member Panapanaan and sophomore Allan Laurenaria.

But the Knights threatened a comeback after Nat Montecillo buried a triple early in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 66-59.

George Diamante, who finally debuted for Letran after sitting out for two years, later sank two free throws to trim the gap to 74-66 afterJRU had earlier built a commanding 74-61 advantage.

But Laurenaria and Mangubat sank a pair of freebies each to create another comfortable 78-66 en route to the win.

Meanwhile, an intact Far Eastern University gave Gilas Pilipinas Youth a reality check with a dominant 83-58 victory behind a collective effort.

Reigning UAAP MVP Janrey Pasaol and Kirby Mongcopa starred with 13 points apiece, but the Tamaraws also got a huge game from rookie Cabs Cabonillas after the Season 88 Boys Basketball MVP posted nine points and nine rebounds in his FilOil debut.

In another game, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde eked out a 71-62 win over University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.

Jhomel Ancheta paced the NCAA powerhouse with 13 points, three rebounds, and four assists while reigning NCAA MVP Allen Liwag posted 11 markers, five boards, and three assists.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News