Filoil Preseason Cup: Adamson fends off St. Benilde

Adamson’s Jeom Sabandal in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. –FILOIL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Adamson slipped past St. Benilde to open its Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup bid on a winning note Saturday.

The Falcons leaned on third year guard Jeom Sabandal, who sparked a 10-2 run early in the fourth that helped them put some distance from the Blazers in the highly-physical contest.

“We did not expect that kind of physicality, but for sure it will help us in our preparation,” remarked coach Nash Racela. “It’s good for us. Right away, the league is sending a signal if you’re not prepared, you’re going to get beaten up.”

Sabandal finished 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists as Adamson joined University of the Philippines and La Salle as the first day winners.

Cedrick Manzano had 12 points and six boards for Adamson, while Jerom Lastimosa, Vince Magbuhos, and Ivan Maata got nine points each.

Miggy Corteza led St. Benilde with 19 points and six rebounds in the losing effort.

The Scores:

ADAMSON 80 — Sabandal 18, Manzano 12, V. Magbuhos 9, Lastimosa 9, Maata 9, Flowers 6, W. Magbuhos 6, Barcelona 4, Torres 4, Yerro 3.
CSB 75 — Corteza 19, Gozum 16, Cullar 9, Pasturan 9, Lim 7, Davis 3, Oczon 3, Cajucom 3, Mara 2, Jarque 2, Serrano 2, Sangco 0, Carlos 0, Dimayuga 0, Sumabat 0.
Quarters: 15-23, 42-34, 58-55, 80-75.