MANILA, Philippines — La Salle spoiled Yuri Escueta’s head coaching debut for San Beda with a 63-51 win to stay perfect in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
UAAP Mythical Five member Michael Phillips collared 14 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks in only 25 minutes of play as the Green Archers improved to 2-0 in Group B.
CJ Austria (13), Joaqui Manuel (11) and Evan Nelle (10) turned in key contributions for the Archers in a clash with the Red Lions.
Down 44-45 early in the payoff period, La Salle uncorked a deciding 11-1 run to take control at 55-46 in the last two minutes.
Meanwhile, JM Bravo (17) and Mac Guadana (13) starred as Lyceum of the Philippines University drubbed Jose Rizal U, 80-73, to join La Salle on top of Group B at 2-0.
In another game, Emilio Aguinaldo College squeaked past Arellano U, 68-66, behind the 16 markers each of Nat Cosejo and Allen Liwag. The Generals improved to 2-1 in Group A.