The University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UP MBT) remains undefeated, keeping the Ateneo Blue Eagles winless and out of title contention at the Filoil-EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup.
UP executed their victory over Ateneo, 82-75, in their preliminary round match on June 1, 2024, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The UP Fighting Maroons now carry a 6-0 win-loss record, earning the top seed in the UAAP-NCAA crossover quarterfinals of the tournament where they are the defending champions.
The UP Diliman-based champions knocked out Ateneo from title contention as the Katipunan squad went further down the standings at 0 wins, 5 losses.
The undefeated UP Fighting Maroons @upmbt now carry a 6-0 win-loss scorecard after winning their prelim matches against DLSU, UST, UE, FEU, NU, and just last Saturday night, Ateneo. pic.twitter.com/AH6KdVtTtj
— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) June 2, 2024
Ateneo won the first quarter after UP had a slow start, 22-18. The game was even at the half, 39-all. The Fighting Maroons won the 3rd quarter, 63-60, before decisively breaking away in the 4th and final quarter, 82-75.
JD Cagulangan, who sank a three that ended UP’s 36-year UAAP title draught at the expense of Ateneo, lived up to his top athlete reputation as he led the UP squad with 16 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists. The Fighting Maroons point guard, however, downplayed his good numbers.
“Pag maganda ‘yung tema ng laro and nakukuha namin ‘yung gusto namin, okay ako kahit anong outcome ng numbers ko (If the game’s theme is good and we’re able to achieve what we want, I’m fine with whatever my numbers turn out to be.),” said Cagulangan in a post-game interview.
UP remains on top of the UAAP bracket of the tournament which boasts a full roster, including all eight UAAP teams and all ten NCAA teams. Teams are grouped according to their respective leagues, with the UAAP group comprising UP, defending champion La Salle, Ateneo, Adamson, FEU, National U, UE, and UST. The NCAA group consists of San Beda, Arellano, Benilde, EAC, JRU, Letran, LPU, Mapua, Perpetual, and San Sebastian.
The tournament format includes single-round robin eliminations, with the top four from each group advancing to the crossover playoffs.
Support the UP Fighting Maroons as they continue their journey to defend their title. Stay updated with more exciting basketball news by following our coverage!
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