National University burst everyone’s bubble and spoiled reigning UAAP champion De La Salle University, 70-64, while defending three-time Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup champion University of the Philippines overcame University of Santo Tomas, 82-78, on Sunday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Reinhard Jumamoy put the finishing touches on the Bulldogs’ opening-day shocker, calmly sinking six free throws in the final minute to finish with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists as NU held off La Salle’s late rally.

It was a balanced attack for NU, with Mo Diassana tallying nine points and 11 rebounds, PJ Palacielo adding eight points and six boards, and DJ Laconsay contributing eight points and two rebounds.

“Hindi naman dapat na statement win ito eh,” said coach Jeff Napa, downplaying the victory as the Bulldogs usher in a new era without key pieces Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Jolo Manansala. “We’re starting a new season, a new generation for this team, so we just keep learning and implementing our system.”

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On the other hand, Veejay Pre, a tranferee from Far Eastern University, lived up to expectations and scored seven of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, including a booming triple with 3:51 left that gave UP a 75-69 lead.

The former UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year also added four rebounds and two assists to help anchor the comeback win.

Rey Remogat helped seal the victory with a driving layup that kept UP ahead, 79-73, with 1:34 remaining, finishing with 12 points, six assists, and four rebounds.

“Sa akin, being able to regroup as a team and adjust in the second half, yung ganung klaseng experience will be really needed in the UAAP. As I’ve said, through these games, we’re getting to know each other on both ends cause we really need this experience,” said Fighting Maroons mentor Goldwin Monteverde.

Miguel Yniguez added 10 points, while Chicco Briones chipped in nine points and five rebounds.

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Jacob Cortez tried his best to carry the load for La Salle with 13 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while Mason Amos also had 13 points, including three triples, in the defeat — a tough start for the Green Archers as they move forward without Mike Phillips and Kean Baclaan.

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The UST loss wasted Mark Llemit’s scorching night as he finished with 22 points built on four triples, while Collins Akowe delivered his usual dominant double-double of 19 points and 16 rebounds.

In the sole NCAA match, Mapua welcomed new coach Chito Victolero with a resounding 87-66 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Yam Concepcion led five Cardinals in double figures with 20 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Cyrus Nitura flirted with a triple-double of 12 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Sebastian Reyes also added 15 points and eight rebounds.

Former UE Junior Warrior Jamal Diaz impressed with 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds after earning the starting nod.

“Maraming trabaho because I need to rebuild this team. That’s why I told them they need to fast-track their mental toughness para lang mas maganda yung showing namin ngayon,” said Victolero as the Cardinals have been ravaged by transfers to either Jose Rizal University or to Abra Solid North in the past two seasons.

Matthew Rubico led the Pirates with 15 points and seven assists, while Roger Ondoa added 10 points off the bench for coach Jamike Jarin.

The Scores:

First Game:
Mapúa 87 – Concepcion 20, Reyes 15, C. Nitura 12, Diaz 11, Callangan 11, Cuenco 4, L. Nitura 4, Reyes 3, Pascual 3, Bernabe 2, Lloren 2, Mendoza 0, Sacro 0, Ryan 0, Dones 0.
Lyceum 66 – Rubico 15, Ondoa 10, Daileg 8, Guadaña 7, Fuentes 7, Villaver 4, Cardinas 4, Peñafiel 3, Aurigue 3, Pallingayan 2, Matienzo 2, Aviles 1, Caduyac 0, Abrantes 0, Almario 0.
Quarterscores: 25-20, 42-35, 64-55, 87-66.

Second Game:
UP 82 – Pre 17, Remogat 12, Yniguez 10, Briones 9, Palanca 8, Bayla 7, Payosing 7, Alter 4, Miles 4, Stevens 2, Poyos 2, Dimaculangan 0, Maga 0, Coronel 0, Andres 0.
UST 78 – Llemit 22, Akowe 19, Crisostomo 8, Sevilla 8, Buenaflor 6, Bucsit 5, Acido 4, Melecio 3, Porter 3, Manding 0, Cañete 0, Calum 0, Danting 0, Sevilla 0.
Quarterscores: 15-22, 42-47, 60-60, 82-78.

Third Game:
NU 70 – Jumamoy 15, Diassana 9, Palacielo 8, Laconsay 8, Alfanta 7, Garcia 7, Reyes 4, Tulabut 3, Francisco 2, Serrano 2, Cartel 2, Navarro 2, Padrones 1, Miranda 0, Figueroa 0.
DLSU 64 – Cortez 13, Amos 13, Macalalag 10, Daep 7, Gagate 6, Abadam 6, Dungo 4, Pablo 3, Kulang 2, Gollena 0, Quines 0, Melencio 0, Sarmiento 0.
Quarterscores: 14-15, 32-28, 49-44, 70-64.

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