Filoil Premier Cup: UP downs JRU; Arellano, Letran win

MANILA, Philippines – University of the Philippines blew a commanding lead but nonetheless recovered in time to hack out an 80-71 win over Jose Rizal University Friday in the 2011 Filoil Preseason Premiere Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

Versatile swingman Mike Silungan delivered 22 points to lead UP to its second win in four stints.

The Fighting Maroons led by as much as 20 in the second period but that was before JRU’s furious fightback that closed the gap to just two, 41-39.

“We knew JRU would make a run but I am pleased by the way our guys responded,” said new UP coach Ricky Dandan.

With another collapse awaiting to happen, the Maroons held their own and would finally put the game out of reach courtesy of back-to-back triples from Silungan and playmaker Mike Gamboa at the two-minute mark of the final quarter.

Meanwhile, Arellano ended its four-game slump following a pulsating 71-70 triumph of listless Lyceum.

Main man Andrian Celada flourished in the clutch as he converted a three-point play with 25 ticks left to put the Chiefs ahead for good, 71-69.

Celada topscored with 18 points and had six boards and four assists to offset his eight miscues.

In the first game, Kevin Alas shot 23 points to help Letran turn back still winless College of St. Benilde.

The Knights upped its mark to 2-3 while the Blazers succumbed to their third straight setback in as many games.