De La Salle University and National University (NU) secured their spots in the quarterfinals of the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Thursday following dominant performances at the Playtime Filoil Centre.
The Green Archers dominated Gilas Pilipinas Youth in a 97-76 blowout, while the Bulldogs built an early advantage to cruise past the University of Santo Tomas (UST), 90-74. Both squads climbed to identical 4-1 records, guaranteeing them top-four finishes in the UAAP Group standings.
Earl Abadam and JC Macalalag led the charge for La Salle, chipping in 14 points each. The Green Archers sealed the victory by erupting for 31 points in the final period. Jacob Cortez also filled the stat sheet with 12 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, handing the national youth team its third straight loss.
Gilas Youth relied on Joaquin Tovera, the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers MVP, who recorded 16 points and three assists. Patrick Pasinos added 12 markers and five boards for the youth squad, which is using the tournament to gear up for the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup this August.
In the other UAAP matchup, Reinhard Jumamoy steered NU with a stellar 21-point, five-assist outing. Edson Serrano and rookie Kurl Figueroa supported him with 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Despite the win, NU head coach Jeff Napa reminded his team to stay grounded ahead of the upcoming collegiate season.
“Hopefully, maintindihan nila na itong three months to go before our season, ma-adapt nila kung ano yung mga kailangang gawin especially hindi naman kami talented enough para tapatan yung mga bigger programs,” Napa said.
UST struggled to find its rhythm, as top scorer Gelo Crisostomo was held to six points, while Nigerian center Collins Akowe grabbed just four rebounds despite finishing with 12 points. The loss halted the Growling Tigers’ two-game winning streak and dropped them to 2-3.
Meanwhile, an NCAA Group showdown saw Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) edge out College of Saint Benilde (CSB), 96-93.
Wilmar Oftana came through in the clutch for EAC, draining a crucial go-ahead triple with 37.6 seconds left before hitting two free throws to secure a three-point cushion. CSB had a chance to force overtime, but Matthew Jucom’s last-second three-pointer missed the mark.
EJ Castillo paced the Generals with 22 points, while Oftana and Jude Bagay added 16 and 14 points, respectively, lifting EAC to a 3-3 card. Jucom top-scored for the Blazers with 24 points in a losing effort, dragging CSB down to a 3-4 record.