The University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) swept the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup, showcasing its readiness to battle for the championship crown of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 set to begin in September 2024.
The UP Fighting Maroons went undefeated, securing back-to-back Championship crowns both at the expense of the De La Salle University Green Archers. UP defeated DLSU in their championship rematch on June 12 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, Manila.
In the Filoil Preseason Cup, 8 UAAP teams and 10 NCAA teams competed in the preliminary round. UP emerged as the top seed with a flawless 7-0 record, advancing to the UAAP-NCAA crossover quarterfinals. There, they defeated Mapua University, followed by a semifinal victory over Far Eastern University (FEU) to earn a finals berth against DLSU.
UP’s Path to Victory:
Elimination Round:
- UP def. DLSU (89-77)
- UP def. UST (76-73)
- UP def. UE (71-60)
- UP def. NU (73-63)
- UP def. FEU (95-84)
- UP def. Ateneo (82-75)
- UP def. Adamson (68-46)
Quarterfinals:
- UP def. Mapua (94-75)
Semifinals:
- UP def. FEU (89-77)
Finals:
- UP def. DLSU (69-66)
JD Cagulangan led the State U with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Francis Lopez was pivotal on defense, contributing 8 points and 12 rebounds. Finals MVP Gerry Abadiano scored all 12 of his points in the decisive second half, where the Fighting Maroons surged with a 46-23 run to overturn a significant deficit and secure the championship with a perfect preseason record.
The Championship Match Scores:
UP 69 — Cagulangan 13, Abadiano 12, Alarcon 9, Ududo 9, Lopez 8, Torres 7, Torculas 7, Felicilda 2, Alter 2, Stevens 0, Bayla 0, Briones 0, Belmonte 0
LA SALLE 66 — Quiambao 14, Austria 14, Ramiro 7, Agunanne 7, Gollena 7, Dungo 6, Policarpio 4, Macalalag 3, Marasigan 2, Cortez 2, Abadam 0, Rubico 0
QUARTERS: 17-14, 23-43, 48-53, 69-66
REWATCH the championship match here:
UAAP Season 87 is scheduled to begin on September 7. The UP Fighting Maroons are eyeing to regain the UAAP men’s basketball championship after their historic victory in Season 84.
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