UP ends Filoil Flying stint ‘with a bang’ after back-to-back wins

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MANILA, Philippines — Raul Soyud powered his way inside for two, got the whistle, and then canned the bonus free throw with 20.2 seconds left.

That sequence gave University of the Philippines a 79-76 win over Perpetual Help on Friday to end the 2013 Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup with back-to-back victories.

“We ended it [Filoil] with a bang,” said head coach Ricky Dandan. “We’re moving forward now. The UAAP is four weeks and two days away. We learned a lot here.”

The Maroons lost their first six games before picking up the victories to end the pre-season tournament with a 2-6 record and 7th place in group A.

“Our record shows we’re struggling, which is very true. We’re in the process of trying to develop trust in each other,” added Dandan who has eight new faces in his squad.

But as they entered the homestretch of their build-up for the UAAP, which kicks off on June 29, these wins would certainly go a long way.

“This a good win for our guys. This will certainly build confidence going into the last four weeks of preparation,” the Maroons’ mentor said.

Joseph Marata, one of the new guys in the squad but is expected to take a lead role having played in the UAAP before with La Salle, finished with 16 points and five rebounds.

Guard Mikee Reyes and Soyud chipped in 14 markers each for UP.

Nosa Omorogbe, expected to dominate in the NCAA, scored a game-best 27 points for the Altas, who dropped to 1-7 as their stint came to a close.

“He’s good basketball player. I don’t think anyone in the NCAA could guard him one-on-one,” said Dandan.