By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of the Philippines outlasted the surprisingly stubborn St. Clare, 67-61, and secured a quarterfinals spot while San Sebastian halted Emilio Aguinaldo College, 68-66, in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Tuesday, June 6 at the Fil Oil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.
Both teams struggled offensively, but good thing for the short-handed Maroons, they found saviors in newcomer Sean Alter and Reynald Torres who produced key baskets when they needed them most.
Torres scored 16 points off the bench while Alter added 12 points.
Gerry Gerry Abadiano added 9 points, while Ernest Felicida and Harold Alarcon had eight points apiece.
Megan Galang paced St. Clare with14 while Luiz Tapenio chipped in 10 in a losing effort.
The win improved UP’s mark to 6-2 while pulling SSC down to 4-4.
Reggz Gabat starred for SSC with 17 points while Romel Calahat Jr. notched a double-double of 11 point and 12 boards plus 5 assists.
In the other game, Jose Rizal University downed Mapua, 93-84, thanks to the 21-point performance of Jerry Guiab.
The win was JRU’s third in seven games while the Cardinals slipped to 5-4.
