MANILA, Philippines—Even without two key players, University of the Philippines still proved too much for Mapua in an 80-71 win in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup Monday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Fighting Maroons, who hardly felt the absence of Ricci Rivero and Kobe Paras, flaunted their depth and turned to their defense to blow the game wide open in the third quarter.
Juan Gomez De Liaño led UP with 17 points while Jun Manzo added 15 for UP, which climbed to 4-2.
In the other game, Papi Sarr and Simon Camacho powered Adamson past Jose Rizal University, 70-52.
Sarr collected a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds while Camacho came off the bench and had an all-around game with 12 points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
“Simon is one of those rare players who come in once in a while and who does not need the ball to make an impact,” said Tonichi Yturri, filled in for Adamson head coach Franz Pumaren, who attended to other matters. “He changed the complexion of the game when he came in.”
Camacho and Sarr teamed up helped the Falcons build a commanding lead en route to their fourth victory in five outings.