San Beda dethrones UP, arranges Filoil Preseason finals date vs. JRU 

San Beda University dethroned the University of the Philippines in blowout fashion, unloading 16 triples en route to a 93-72 win in the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup semifinals on Sunday.

The Red Lions' stunning takedown of the three-time defending champions paved the way for a finals clash with Jose Rizal University in a rare all-NCAA championship series.

It also marked San Beda's return to the finals for the first time since 2019, when the Mendiola crew defeated De La Salle University behind Evan Nelle, James Kwekuteye, and Calvin Oftana.

RC Calimag led the way this time after the veteran guard exploded for six three-pointers, including four in the second half, to finish with 27 points while Dominic Sarigumba dazzled with 17 markers, seven assists, and two boards as the reigning NCAA champions ousted the UAAP powerhouse.

Sean Torculas punished his former team after pouring in 14 points and three rebounds while Penny Estacio and Zed Etulle chipped in 11 and 10 points each.

The Red Lions stepped on the gas pedal in the second half, turning a slim 37-35 halftime lead into a 64-45 cushion in the third after Calimag, Estacio, Etulle, and Bonzalida combined for five triples in that stretch.

Calimag fired another pair of triples early in the fourth before Sarigumba hit one of his own to extend San Beda's lead to 82-57 late in the final frame.

UP simply had no answer amid the San Beda storm as the Katipunan crew only made 37 points in the last two quarters as opposed to San Beda's 56.

No UP player scored more than 10 in the shocking loss with Veejay Pre, James Payosing, and Sean Alter all finishing with 10 points.

—JKC, GMA News