La Salle’s Michael Phillips against FEU defenders in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. –FILOIL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippine–La Salle pulled away in the third quarter to beat Far Eastern University, 65-49, kicking off its Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup campaign Saturday at Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Led by Michael Phillips, the Green Archers dominated inside the paint allowing them to string up an 18-4 run and turn a 34-33 deficit into a 13-point lead heading into the final quarter.
Philips had 12 points and 11 rebounds while Bright Nwankwo added 14 points and seven boards with La Salle winning the rebounding battle, 58-44.
While La Salle led by as much as 62-40,with 5:16 left, the Tamaraws were able to cut the lead to 13, 62-49, in the final minute–something which did not please coach Derick Pumaren.
“When we’re up, we should close out games. We can’t slack off, especially on defense,” said Pumaren.
JC Macalalag added 12 points and three rebounds, Raven Cortez chimed in eight points and nine boards, and Mark Nonoy had seven points, three rebounds, and three steals for La Salle.
FEU leaned on L-Jay Gonzales and Bryan Sajonia who both scored 10 in the losing cause.
The Scores:
LA SALLE 65 — Nwankwo 14, M. Phillips 12, Macalalag 12, Cortez 8, Nonoy 7, Manuel 5, Austria 3, Nelle 2, Abadam 2, Escandor 0, Buensalida 0, Alao 0, Estacio 0.
FEU 49 — Gonzales 10, Sajonia 10, Alforque 6, Songcuya 6, Bautista 5, Tempra 3, Torres 3, Sandagon 2, Sleat 2, Faty 2, Gravera 0, Guibao 0, Rosete 0, Dulatre 0.
Quarters: 15-8, 31-24, 51-38, 65-49.