Pre, Payosing power UP to PG Flex Quintana Cup title
MANILA, Philippines — Versatile forward Veejay Pre and James Payosing showed their worth and University of the Philippines rampaged to an 88-70 win over Olivarez College to rule the PG Flex Invitational Tournament 2025 Quintana Cup on Monday, November 24, at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Payosing, a 6-foot-2 from Bislig, Surigao del Sur, was at his best in the second quarter where he scored 11 of his team-high 20 points, including a buzzer-beating triple to end the half that saw Maroons enjoying a comfortable 46-34 advantage.
The 6-foot-4 Pre was not only a ferocious rebounder but also deadly from the perimeter as he made 8-of-9 attempts from the 2-point area to finish with 19 points.
He was a rebound shy from completing a double-double, but his five assists and the combined nine by Player of the Game winner Payosing and Arvie Poyos enabled the Maroons to bury the Sea Lions under an avalanche of baskets as they erected a 23-point (88-65) lead.
UP’s win in its knockout duel for the title was the team’s ninth straight since losing its opening game to Manila Central University by default.
PG Flex Linoleum executive Neil Guevarra awarded the championship trophy to the Maroons.
Meanwhile, Letran outlasted Centro Escolar University, 75-70, to finish third in UCAL’s preseason tournament backed by Smart Sports, Crane, Topflite, Hapee Toothpaste, Gerry’s Grill, Spalding, Mighty Bond, Best Options, Multimotors Auto Parts, Vital Water and AZI.
Olivarez’s FSA in Hakim Njiasse put up a gallant effort but even his 27 points and 20 rebounds were not enough in the face of UP’s well-oiled like attack – not to mention its pesky defense.
Pre, Payosing, Poyos and the likes of Elliot Dimaculangan (14 points and five rebounds) and Rain Maga (12 points) and even Russel Ogana (two points) — are hoping to make to UP’s regular team — the one playing in the UAAP.
- Latest
- Trending
