Bulldogs rout Lions, set up Filoil finals clash with Warriors

MANILA, Philippines – Dennice Villamor scored 18 points off the bench to tow defending champion National University to the Finals after routing San Beda College, 74-57, in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan Friday.

NU controlled the game with their stingy defense, limiting the Red Lions to a measly 38 percent field goal shooting compared to their 46 percent clip to remain undefeated in the tournament.

“I think the key for us in this game is our focus and discipline on defense. Also, we were very patient in our offense moving the basketball to find the open man,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano.

“We are very thankful and excited to be back in the Finals but we don’t want to forget that this is only the preseason. We have to improve every game,” he added.

San Beda last threatened when they cut the lead to 49-57 courtesy of a Baser Amer layup, but the Bulldogs quickly answered back with a quick 7-0 zip to take the lead, 64-49, and control of the game.

Gelo Alolino banked in 15 points while reigning UAAP MVP Ray Parks managed to score 12 points despite nursing a shoulder injury he suffered in the first half.

“We focus on one game at a time and the process of our preparation. I always remind the boys it’s not about who we play but how we play,” said Altamirano.

Amer tried to lead San Beda in another comeback, scoring 19 points – including 10 in the payoff period –   but NU’s defense was too much for the NCAA champions.

Both teams battled back and forth in a highly physical first half but the Bulldogs claimed the advantage, 39-36, at the break.

Villamor led the Bulldogs’ charge in the first half with 12 points while Art Dela Cruz punched in 12 points of his own to lead the Red Lions at the break.

NU will face US, who dispatched UST earlier, in the finals at the same venue on Wednesday.