MAC Guadaña joined forces with JM Bravo to propel Lyceum of the Philippines University past Jose Rizal University, 80-73, to remain unbeaten in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

“Yung players namin, we just had to remind them to stay focused. Kaya sinabi lang ni Mac na, ‘Let’s enjoy lang,'” said coach Gilbert Malabanan after the Pirates posted their second consecutive win in Group B.

“After that, nakita niyo naman, lahat ng ginagawa namin, we were just cheering for each other,” he added.

Guadaña dropped 13 points, including the last five in LPU’s 9-0 run to begin the final frame, and dished out seven assists, while Bravo was also brilliant throughout and wound up with 17 markers, eight rebounds and three assists.

In other all-NCAA duels, Emilio Aguinaldo College overcame a scoreless spell in the final 5:55 to beat Arellano University for its second win in three Group A matches at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Robi Nayve drilled in the game-winning mid-range jumper in the final 10 seconds as College of Saint Benilde edged Mapua, 77-76, for its first victory in Group A.

John Lloyd Clemente shot 16 points while Senegalese slotman John Omar produced a double-double effort of 12 points and 11 rebounds to go with three blocks as National University posted its second straight Group A victory with a 79-64 rout of University of the East.

Mike Phillips came through with huge numbers of 14 points and 19 rebounds while CJ Austria tossed in 13 points as La Salle spoiled new San Beda coach Yuri Escueta’s debut with a 61-53 win.

Nat Cosejo had 16 points and nine rebounds while Allen Liwag also scored 16 points to go with three assists for the Generals.

Wilmar Oftana had 14 points and seven boards while Cade Flores had a double-double outing of 12 points and 12 rebounds to go with three steals and two assists for the Chiefs, who remain winless in three contests.

Mark Sangco took the scoring mantle for the Blazers with 17 points, Will Gozum had 12 points, five rebounds, three blocks, two steals and two assists while Nayve contributed 11 points and three assists.

Bryan Lacap had 20 points, five boards and two blocks while Jasper Salenga chipped in 18 points, five boards and three assists for the Cardinals.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado