UP Fighting Maroons beat La Salle Green Archers to win Filoil Preseason title. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—University of the Philippines reigned supreme in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup after taking an 87-76 victory over La Salle in the Final at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.
But despite the convincing win, coach Goldwin Monteverde urged his wards to keep working with the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament looming.
“We have a lot of respect for La Salle. They’re really a strong team but the good thing here on our part is, the team really prepared for it,” Monteverde said after the win.
“How we faced that game earlier was truly amazing but the important thing now is we continue working.”
Mark Gil Belmonte saved his best for last in the preseason with 18 points and five rebounds for the Fighting Maroons while Lebron Lopez was the second leading scorer with 16 to his name.
UP Fighting Maroons’ Harold Alarcon. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Malick Diouf tallied a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while JD Cagulangan also scored 10 in the victory. Harold Alarcon, who was named the Filoil Preseason MVP, finished with nine markers and three boards.
La Salle guard Evan Nelle was the top scorer of the game with 19 markers despite the loss while fellow guard Mark Nonoy came away with 13 points.
After the loss, the Green Archers will have Marinerong Pilipino in their sights for the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup best-of-three Finals series starting Thursday at Ynares Sports Center, Pasig.