With their veterans holding fort, Far Eastern U and University of the Philippines rolled to their second straight victories, while University of Santo Tomas finally barged into the win column on Sunday in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup.
Prince Orizu had 14 points to lead five other Tamaraws in twin digits as rookie coach Olsen Racela stayed unbeaten at the helm after an 87-81 thumping of Arellano at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
“We’re improving and that’s our goal,” said Racela, whose team pinned a fourth straight loss on the Chiefs. “I just didn’t like the way we lost our focus in the fourth period.”
FEU, which opened its campaign with an impressive victory over St. Benilde, 73-67, on Wednesday, needed to shackle a hot-shooting Kent Sallado down the stretch to escape.
Paul Desiderio took charge for the Maroons, finishing with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds as UP turned back St. Benilde, 77-70, while UST used a strong second half showing to beat Perpetual, 65-55.
Rob Ricafort contributed 12 points for the Maroons, who outscored the Blazers, 28-14, in the opening period.
“I can’t say that I’m really happy,” said UP coach Bo Perasol. “We could have done better in trying to adjust to what Benilde was doing against us.”