The UP Fighting Maroons stayed undefeated in the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, clipping Gilas Pilipinas Youth, 92-74, on Thursday at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
UP Leans on Balanced Attack
Former national youth team member Jacob Bayla anchored this balanced onslaught for the Fighting Maroons with 10 points and 3 rebounds as State U seized early leadership in the UAAP Group at 3-0.
“For us, it’s about developing good habits. We still have a long way to go, and it’s a privilege for us to have a chance to help the national team prepare for the SEABA tournament,” said Fighting Maroons assistant coach Christian Luanzon.
Veejay Pre led the charge with 11 points, Gani Stevens added 9 points and 8 rebounds, and Elliot Dimaculangan chipped in 9 in the team’s third win of the tilt.
Gilas Youth drew solid numbers from Kyle Sardon’s 20 points, Ethan Aguas’ 12 points and 4 rebounds, and Bruce Tubongbanua’s 11 points, 3 boards, and 3 assists.
Gilas on the Way to SEABA Qualifiers 2026
Gilas Pilipinas Youth, coached by Juno Sauler, will now head to the FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers 2026 in Thailand, scheduled from June 10 to 14.
They absorbed their first loss of the tournament at the hands of the FEU Tamaraws and will return to action in the Preseason Cup on June 18 when they battle the La Salle Green Archers.
Other Results
Letran Knights 96, San Sebastian Golden Stags 85
San Beda Red Lions 102, Lyceum Pirates 77
NU Bulldogs 74, Adamson Soaring Falcons 66
