VINCENT Cunanan had 17 points as Lyceum of the Philippines University defeated University of Santo Tomas, 83-73, to extend its perfect run to three games yesterday in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

The Pirates solidified their hold of the Group B lead, but not after clawing back from a 10-23 first quarter deficit.

“Actually, yun lang, nagalit kasi ako nung first half kasi sabi ko sa players ko we have to follow the game plan,” said LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan. “And, then nung first half that’s why bakit lumaki yung lamang ng UST it was because we’re not following the game plan eh and we prepare for it.”

In other fixtures, RC Calimag scattered 15 of his 21 points from beyond the arc as reigning UAAP champion University of the Philippines routed College of Saint Benilde, 117-61, to remain on top of Group A with a 4-0 card
Jerom Lastimosa shot 18 points as Adamson also improved to 3-0 in Group A by besting University of Perpetual Help System Delta, 68-61.

The Falcons withstood a late Altas rally in the payoff period to remain unbeaten in the off-season tournament.

“We told our team na Perpetual is a good team to play. They’re tough, they’re mature, and they’re veterans. Let’s take advantage of the opportunity na makalaro sila,” Adamson coach Nash Racela said.

In another Group A game, University of the East, winless in its most recent UAAP campaign, earned its first victory in Group A following a 58-50 conquest of Arellano University at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Far Eastern University posted its second straight win after a 0-2 start in Group B following a 82-73 romp of San Beda.

The Red Warriors scored the first 11 points of the game before allowing the Chiefs to briefly take the lead, 23-22. UE rediscovered its form and pulled away, 45-31, late in the third and never looked back.

John Bryan Sajonia had 16 points, four rebounds and two assists while Royce Alforque contributed 15 points, six boards and five assists as the Tamaraws weathered a late Red Lions uprising in the payoff period to emerge victorious.

“This win is gonna give us confidence. Again, with what we’re trying to do, kailangan namin itong mga panalong ito especially sa well-coached team like San Beda,” said FEU coach Olsen Racela after pulling one off against his cousin, rookie mentor Yuri Escueta.

Shawn Umali and John Barba had 16 points apiece while Renzo Navarro chipped in 12 points and nine assists for the Pirates.

Ian Herrera scored 12 points, Nic Cabañero contributed 11 points while Gani Stevens had nine points and 10 rebounds for the Growling Tigers, who dropped to 1-1.

The Altas and the Blazers fell to 1-2, while the Chiefs are now at 0-4 in Group A, while the Red Lions stumbled to their second straight Group B defeat.