MANILA, Philippines — Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) defeated National University, 71-68, to clinch the top spot in Group B while Letran trounced St. Benilde, 72-64, to enter into the quarterfinals of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup at the Flying V Centre.
Philippine Star reported that Jaycee Marcelino and Ralph Tansingco unleashed 11 points each while Niño Ibañez put in 10 to make up for the absence of key player Mike Nzeusseu as LPU finished on top of Group B with a 6-1 record.
The Pirates will tackle the fourth seed from Group A in the quarterfinals set next week.
“The goal was not to specifically top our group but to learn in each game,” PhilStar quoted LPU coach Topex Robinson as saying.
The Bulldogs reeled to their third defeat against the same number of wins, and moved out of contention regardless of the result of their game versus the Adamson Falcons, according to the report.
The Knights, meanwhile went to rookie Ato Ular, who exploded for a game-high 18 points as they officially booked a spot in the playoff round after finishing the prelims with a 5-2 card.
The Blazers bid the tourney goodbye with a 1-6 mark.
Letran coach Boni Tan can’t complain.
“There is still room for improvement but we’re slowly but surely getting to be the team that we want to become,” the report quoted him as saying. (LPU Facebook photo)
