University of the Philippines grabbed an early lead in the UAAP Group of the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive after holding off National University, 76-67, Tuesday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Rey Remogat anchored the Fighting Maroons’ late surge, orchestrating the offense as UP fired eight unanswered points to stretch the lead to 76-63 with 1:37 remaining.

He finished with eight points, 11 assists, two rebounds, and two steals as UP improved to 2-0 in the premier preseason league, which is supported by Hanes, Buffalo’s Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature’s Spring, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, and Don Benito’s.

“Laging ko rin sinasabi sa kanila na mas madali kami mananalo if we play as a team talaga,” Remogat said. “So nakita naman dito sa laro na kung gagalaw lang kami naman sa team, mahirap kaming basahin.”

Veejay Pre once again led the Fighting Maroons with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Gani Stevens tallied 14 points and eight rebounds, while Francis Nnoruka added 10 points and four rebounds.

Jacob Bayla chipped in nine points, including a crucial three-pointer that helped seal the win.

NU (1-1) leaned on Reinhard Jumamoy, who finished with 20 points, while PJ Palacielo and Tebol Garcia added 10 points each. The Bulldogs mounted a late comeback attempt after falling behind by as many as 21-2 early in the game.

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In another game, Jimmy Reyes powered San Beda’s fourth-quarter pullaway in a 75-67 win over San Sebastian.

The sophomore guard stepped up in the final period, scoring 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter while also dishing out seven assists, as the Red Lions turned a tight 53-52 lead into a 63-52 cushion with 7:06 left.

“We’re missing yung mga teammates nila yet slowly but surely, hopefully we get our chemistry together,” said coach Yuri Escueta as San Beda played its first game without lead playmaker Nygel Gonzales.

Aldous Torculas made an immediate impact in his debut, finishing with 17 points and five rebounds for the Red Lions.

Ralph Gabat and Neil Castor kept San Sebastian in the fight, combining for 31 points, but the Golden Stags remained winless in the Filoil preseason tournament over the past two years.

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Meanwhile, Wilmar Oftana powered Emilio Aguinaldo College to a 91-78 overtime win over Arellano University.

The senior forward took over in the extra period, scoring four of his 19 points, alongside eight assists to secure EAC’s first win of the preseason tilt.

Kyle Ochavo also set the tone for the Generals, finishing with a game-high 12 assists to go with two points and four rebounds.

“At least mapagaaralan namin what we need to work on, especially during crucial games,” said coach Jerson Cabiltes.

Jacob Shanoda added 15 points and seven rebounds, while Jude Bagay chipped in 11 for EAC.

For Arellano, rookie John Ray Ladica impressed in his seniors debut with 20 points and seven rebounds, while star guard T-Mc Ongotan contributed 14 points.

The Scores:

First Game:
Emilio Aguinaldo 91 – Oftana 19, Shanoda 15, Raymundo M. 13, Nunag 12, Bagay 11, Castillo 8, Postanes 5, Coronel 4, Bonus 2, Ochavo 2, H. Raymundo 0, Sealey 0, Lanceta 0.
Arellano 88 – Ladica 20, Ongotan 14, Borromeo 13, Geronimo 8, Valencia 8, Abiera 8, Hernal 5, Manansala 4, Langit 3, Libang 3, Perez 2, Camay 0, Vinoya 0, Buenaventura 0, Flores 0, Barraca 0.
Quarterscores: 25-25, 51-55, 70-72, 81-81, 91-88.

Second Game:
San Beda 75 – Reyes 17, Torculas 16, Estacio 10, Ri. Calimag 7, Dabao 7, Songcuya 5, Culdora 5, Jalbuena 4, Lina 2, Mina 2.
San Sebastian 67 – Gabat 17, Castor 14, Alforque 10, Ynot 7, Muktimar 5, Barroga 5, Cuya 3, Bacani 2, Suico 2, Velasco 2, Acosta 0, Gomez de Liaño 0, Ricio 0, Kitane 0, Magcale 0, Salvo 0.
Quarterscores: 16-11, 31-30, 53-52, 75-67.

Third Game:
UP 76 – Pre 17, Stevens 14, Nnoruka 10, Bayla 9, Remogat 8, Maga 6, Briones 5, Palanca 3, Poyos 2, Dimaculangan 2, Payosing 0, Yniguez 0, Alter 0, Coronel 0, Ogana 0, Franco 0.
NU 67 – Jumamoy 20, Palacielo 10, Garcia 10, Francisco 5, Padrones 5, Figueroa 5, Alfanta 4, Laconsay 2, Diassana 2, Locsin 2, Reyes 2, Cartel 0, Perciano 0, Serrano 0, Miranda 0, Navarro 0.
Quarterscores: 29-17, 45-38, 57-49, 76-67.

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