Jun Manzo delivered the late heroics as University of the Philippines slipped past National University, 59-56, to advance to the quarterfinals in the Filoil Flying V Premier Preseason Cup at Filoil Flying V Centre Wednesday.
NU held a 56-52 edge before UP rallied with a 7-0 blitz capped by Manzo’s dagger trey with 54.4 ticks left.
“[I told Manzo] you are the scorer, so you got to make sure you are going to do the job right now,” said UP head coach Bo Perasol. “You can pass but make sure you think about scoring. So that’s what he did.”
In the other matches, San Beda crushed Jose Rizal University, 73-57, as the Lions remained unscathed in seven games. Arnaud Noah chalked up 17 points to lead the Lions.
Perpetual Help also stunned Ateneo, 60-59, for a 3-5 record.
Nigerian Prince Eze shone with 18 points, eight rebounds and six blocks, but it was Flash Sadiwa who buried the game-winner with a nifty layup with 1:13 remaining. —CARLO ANOLIN, KRISTOFER PURNELL