UP survives Benilde scare to advance to FilOil Preseason semifinals
The Fighting Maroons survived a wild 7-0 closing run from the Blazers led by the tandem of Tony Ynot and Allen Liwag to advance to the semifinals.
Gerry Abadiano led the way for UP with 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal while big man Gani Stevens and veteran Harold Alarcon chipped in 12 and 11 markers each to help UP keep its three-peat bid alive.
Abadiano was shining all throughout the game, sending the Fighting Maroons to an 82-73 lead after a jumper late in the fourth quarter. But the Blazers, who ended up as second seed in the NCAA bracket, staged a fightback that threatened the title defense of UP.
Ynot instigated the rally with a huge three-pointer before Liwag sank a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to four, 82-78, with 1:13 left in the game.
The two connived in the succeeding play with Liwag securing the board after a missed basket from Abadiano and Ynot dishing the pass to him that would further trim the gap to just two at 82-80.
Benilde had two chances to either tie the game or win it, but transferee Raffy Celis missed a layup and muffed an open three-pointer as the Fighting Maroons cruised to the two-point victory that would set them up with a semifinals clash against either La Salle or Arellano University.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
EAC rookie EJ Castillo joins Steph Curry's training camp in China
By GMA Integrated News Before setting foot on the NCAA seniors basketball stage, EJ Castillo is already raising his game. The incoming Emilio Aguinaldo College rookie guard finds himself training alongside Steph Curry in China, giving him an extraordinary chance to learn from one of the greatest shooters of all time. The 19-year-old Castillo, a two-time Mythical Five member in the NCAA junior ranks, was among the select few invited to the Curry Camp 2025 in Chongqing, China, joining fellow young Filipino hooper Koji Buenaflor of the University of Santo Tomas in the four-day program. Castillo's participation in the camp is expected to further hone his skills ahead of NCAA Season 101, where the Generals are already seen as early contenders following their strong preseason form. EAC was coming off a rare quarterfinals appearance at the 2025 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup before sweeping the U25 Cheng Hoo Cup 2025 in Indonesia in late July. —Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
6 days ago
- GMA Network
Kevin Quiambao reflects on 'learning experience' with Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA Asia Cup
Kevin Quiambao described his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup as a "learning experience," saying he hopes to apply the lessons he gained in future tournaments. Quiambao delivered outstanding performances for the Philippines throughout the Asian tourney, but it was in the game against Australia where the reigning back-to-back UAAP Most Valuable Player stood out the most. The De La Salle University product had 17 points, including five three-pointers, to lead Gilas against the Boomers. The nationals, however, fell to Australia, 84–60. "It's a great learning experience for us," Quiambao said. "We will carry this over until the next one in November." Quiambao was referring to the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where the Philippines is set to face New Zealand, Guam, and Australia again. The 6-foot-4 forward also reflected on Australia's strong start as Gilas struggled to execute its plays. "For this game, I think right from the start, they were having a run. They got three, early three pointers. So we're having a hard time catching up," he said. "So for me as a young gun here, as much as I want is to execute the system, follow the game plan, but it didn't work the whole game. So yeah, on to the next one, and we will keep our heads high for this one." On top of his FIBA stint, Quiambao has gained valuable experience over the past few months, including training in the United States under foreign coaches. Quiambao, however, is expected to return to South Korea soon to reunite with the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the KBL. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
13-08-2025
- GMA Network
Tim Cone praises Kevin Quiambao in FIBA Asia Cup: 'Nothing is too big for him'
The future looks bright for Gilas Pilipinas, with Kevin Quiambao leading a new generation unafraid of the spotlight. The 24-year-old, do-it-all forward is proving that he belongs on the big stage, giving the national team a much-needed shot in the arm in its ongoing campaign at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. And no one recognizes his impact more than Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone. "Kevin is not afraid of the moment. I think that's the best way to describe Kevin," Cone said of his young gun. "Nothing is too big for him and he'll play the same way whether he's playing here in the Asia Cup or if he's playing in a barangay league. He's gonna bring it all the time and he's not gonna be afraid to step up and take the big shot when it's presented to him." The former two-time UAAP MVP out of De La Salle University has been big for Gilas Pilipinas. He fueled a second-half surge during Gilas Pilipinas' opening game against Chinese Taipei, tallying 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists as the Filipinos fell short and absorbed a 95-87 loss. He had limited minutes against New Zealand and Iraq, but seized the moment when trusted to play almost the entire game in their do-or-die duel against host Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Against the Saudis, the young forward posted 17 markers, including two triples in the overtime, while also grabbing three assists, three steals, and one rebound to help steer Gilas to a 95-88 OT escape and book their spot in the quarterfinals. To Cone, these are undeniable proof that Quiambao is growing into a cornerstone of their program. "That's what makes him special. You know, we're still learning a lot about Kevin because he is the young gun on the team. I think he's the youngest player," Cone added. "He's battling for his position, he's battling for his minutes and he just keeps wowing us. He's becoming a vital cog." Gilas Pilipinas will face Australia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
