UP pummels NU, completes FilOil Preseason Cup 3-peat

The UP Fighting Maroons secured their third consecutive FilOil Preseason Cup championship by defeating the NU Bulldogs 79-65 in the finals on July 27th at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

Demonstrating their championship pedigree, UP consistently countered NU's attempts to rally throughout the game. Head coach Goldwin Monteverde acknowledged the win validates their hard work during the preseason but emphasized the team must stay grounded and refocus for the upcoming UAAP season.

After leading only 20-17 late in the first quarter, the Fighting Maroons went on a decisive 23-13 run to establish a 46-33 halftime lead. They extended their advantage to 21 points (70-49) by the end of the third quarter and controlled the tempo in the final period to seal the victory.

Key contributors for UP included foreign reinforcement Francis Nnoruka with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Gerry Abadiano and Gani Stevens each added 13 points. Abadiano was named the tournament MVP and Nnoruka received the Best Defensive Player award.

For the runner-up NU Bulldogs, Jake Figueroa led with 12 points and Kenshin Padrones scored 10 points. Their finals appearance followed a Cinderella run that included an upset semifinal victory over the UST Growling Tigers.