16-06-2025
Letran, Mapua overwhelm JRU, San Sebastian in Filoil preseason tilt
Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Mapua University continued to make waves in the preseason just months before plunging into action in the NCAA Season 101 later this year.
The Knights, eager to make up for back-to-back Final Four misses in Seasons 99 and 100, cruised to their fourth straight win in the 18th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup after crushing Jose Rizal University with an 84-73 win on Monday.
Old faces came up big for the Muralla crew with Deo Cuajao churning out 15 points off the bench while veteran big man Kevin Santos posted 13 markers, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal as the Knights improved to 6-1.
But Letran also flexed its depth with new recruits proving their worth in the win
New faces Peter Rosillo and Aaron Buensalida each finished with 12 points in starter roles to help Letran build momentum in the preseason before they mount a redemption tour in Season 101.
Meanwhile, defending champion Mapua avoided a huge upset against San Sebastian College-Recoletos with big man Drex Delos Reyes fueling their 77-70 escape victory.
The 6-foot-8 bruiser flirted with a double-double outing of 15 points and nine rebounds to help the cause while Cyril Gonzales remained steady with 11 markers, three boards, two steals, and one dime as the Cardinals improved to 3-2.
Scores:
First Game:
Letran 84 - Cuajao 15, Estrada 13, Santos 13, Rosillo 12, Buensalida 12, Yusi 5, Roque 5, Silorio 4, Tapenio 3, Manalili 2.
JRU 73 - Peñaverde 24, Panapanaan 14, Argente 10, Lozano 9, Castillo 6, Garupil 3, Esguerra 2, Herrera 2, Pangilinan 2, Sarmiento 1, Benitez 0, Canoza 0.
Quarters: 21-22, 43-38, 65-52, 84-73.
Second Game:
Mapua 77 - Delos Reyes 15, Lazarte 12, Gonzales 11, Escamis 8, Recto 7, Cuenco 5, Concepcion 5, Nitura 5, Gulapa 5, Sapasap 4, Igliane 0, Callangan 0.
San Sebastian 70 - Felebrico 17, Are 13, Nepacena 11, Ricio 10, Pillado 6, Cabilla 4, Lumanag 4, Gomez De Liaño 3, Castor 2, Gabat 0.
Quarters: 20-16, 35-29, 51-49, 77-70.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
