Maroons wallop Warriors; Eagles rout Faith 5

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines clinched the second seed out of Group II in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup after dominating University of the East, 103-81, yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan yesterday.

CJ Cansino fired 14 points on top of three assists, Francis Lopez had 15 points and five rebounds, and Harold Alarcon finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in the Fighting Maroons’ seventh win in nine games.

Meanwhile, Ateneo made quick work of Faith Colleges of Batangas, 92-53, for a third consecutive victory.

Kai Ballungay turned in another strong showing with 22 points on top of two rebounds and two assists, as Joseph Obasa backed him up with 13 points and nine rebounds in the Blue Eagles’ ascent to 3-5.

In Group I action, San Sebastian kept Arellano University out of the win column with an 85-78 decision.

Alex Desoyo waxed hot with 21 points, while Scoobs Escobido chimed in 15 points, eight coming in the last four minutes, for the Golden Stags’ back-to-back wins in the premiere preseason tournament supported by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten.