UP Completes Epic Comeback vs DLSU to Sweep Filoil Tournament

(UPDATED) The UP Fighting Maroons rallied from a 20-point halftime deficit to defeat the DLSU Green Archers 69-66 and win the Filoil EcoOil preseason tournament on Independence Day Wednesday, June 12, at the Filoil Arena in San Juan.

It was the second time in the tourney that UP defeated La Salle, doing so this time with a superb second half against the defending UAAP champions in a rematch of last year’s Filoil finals, which the Fighting Maroons also secured. UP has now joined La Salle (first two years of league 2006/2007) as the only teams to win the Filoil crown in back to back seasons.

Finals MVP Gerry Abadiano sparked the Fighting Maroons’ comeback with 12 points, highlighted by efficient shooting in a second half where UP exploded for 46 points. Veteran JD Cagulangan had 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Francis Lopez finished with 8 points, 12 boards, 2 steals, and 2 assists. His defense on league MVP Kevin Quiambao, who hit just 6-of-25 from the field, was instrumental for the final result.

DLSU went up big at the break thanks to a dominant 29-6 advantage in the second period, but it didn’t take long for the Fighting Maroons to get back in the contest as they opened the third period on a 10-0 spurt.

UP ultimately sealed the game thanks to a timely put-back by FSA Kingsley Ududo, a big-time shot by JD Cagulangan, and a pair of missed long-range attempts from Quiambao. KQ finished with 14 points and 10 boards.

In the earlier matchup, FEU won a tightly-contested battle against Letran, 80-78, to take home third place in the tournament. Jorrick Bautista led the way with 21 markers for the winning team while Deo Cuajao registered a game-high 27 points for the Knights.