Red Lions Shock La Salle, Set for UP Semifinal Clash

San Beda University produced one of the biggest upsets of the 19th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup after eliminating defending UAAP champion De La Salle University to secure a place in the Final Four. The victory not only reinforced the Red Lions’ championship pedigree but also set up another high-profile showdown against the University of the Philippines.

UP also survived a determined challenge from Mapua University, completing the semifinal field alongside Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Jose Rizal University. With two cross-league powers and two NCAA rivals still standing, the tournament now features four teams carrying legitimate championship aspirations into the closing stages.

Image from: GMA Network

San Beda Delivers a Statement Victory

ABS-CBN News’ Rom Anzures reported that San Beda defeated De La Salle, 64-59, despite playing without key contributors Aldous Torculas and Bismarck Lina. The reigning NCAA champions relied on disciplined defense, efficient half-court execution, and unwavering composure to eliminate one of the country’s deepest collegiate rosters.

Victories of this magnitude rarely come from individual brilliance alone because they demand consistent execution throughout forty minutes. San Beda controlled the game’s tempo, limited La Salle’s offensive rhythm, and capitalized on key possessions during the closing stretch to complete one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

Balanced Production Powered the Red Lions

Several San Beda players delivered timely performances throughout the upset victory.

• Dominic Sarigumba: 10 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds
• Zed Etulle: 10 points, 3 rebounds
• Penny Estacio: 8 points, including crucial late free throws

Head coach Yuri Escueta praised his players for refusing to be affected by outside expectations.

“We know people were doubting, but we made sure our guys believed that we could win.”

That confidence translated into disciplined basketball, allowing the Red Lions to withstand every challenge presented by the defending UAAP champions.

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La Salle’s Late Rally was Not Enough

The Green Archers responded with a determined comeback after trailing by double digits, creating late pressure that tested San Beda’s composure. Despite closing much of the deficit, La Salle struggled to generate consecutive defensive stops against the Red Lions’ patient offensive execution.

The quarterfinal also highlighted how single-elimination basketball often rewards disciplined decision-making more than individual talent alone. San Beda’s ability to protect possessions and execute late-game situations ultimately proved decisive against one of collegiate basketball’s most talented rosters.

Green Archers Continued Fighting Until the Final Buzzer

Several La Salle players kept the defending UAAP champions within striking distance.

• Jacob Cortez: 13 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
• Mason Amos: 11 points
• Dungo: 10 points

Although the comeback ultimately fell short, the Green Archers demonstrated the resilience expected from one of the country’s premier collegiate basketball programs while gaining valuable lessons ahead of the upcoming UAAP season.

University Of The Philippines Escapes a Determined Mapua Challenge

The University of the Philippines appeared headed for a comfortable victory after building a 15-point advantage, but Mapua refused to let the game slip away without a fight. The Cardinals rallied to seize a brief fourth-quarter lead before the Fighting Maroons regained control through timely execution during the closing possessions.

Close games like this provide valuable lessons even for championship contenders because they expose areas that require improvement before the official season begins. UP’s ability to recover after surrendering momentum demonstrated the composure expected from an experienced tournament contender.

Fighting Maroons Responded When Pressure Increased

UP relied on balanced scoring to overcome Mapua’s late comeback.

• Jacob Bayla: 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
• Gani Stevens: 13 points, 5 rebounds
• Stevens delivered a momentum-changing two-handed dunk late in the fourth quarter.
• UP secured a 67-64 victory to reach the semifinals.

Mapua also delivered an impressive performance despite falling just short of another major upset.

• Marc Cuenco: 19 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds

The Cardinals’ competitiveness reinforced their growing reputation as one of the NCAA’s emerging programs entering the new collegiate season.

Final Four Matchups Renew Historic Collegiate Rivalries

The FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup now features two compelling semifinal matchups involving four respected collegiate basketball programs. One pairing guarantees an NCAA representative in the championship game, while the other renews a highly anticipated cross-league battle between two established contenders.

Preseason tournaments frequently create unique matchups that fans rarely see during the regular collegiate calendar. Those games also provide valuable opportunities to evaluate how successful programs measure up against opponents from different leagues before their respective seasons begin.

Semifinal Pairings are Officially Set

The Final Four schedule features two high-profile matchups.

• University of the Philippines vs. San Beda University
• Colegio de San Juan de Letran vs. Jose Rizal University

The UP-San Beda meeting pits one of the UAAP’s perennial contenders against the reigning NCAA champions, creating one of the tournament’s most anticipated matchups. Meanwhile, the all-NCAA semifinal guarantees league representation in the championship game while showcasing the continued strength of collegiate basketball outside the UAAP.

Preseason Momentum Builds Confidence Before League Play

The FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup has earned its reputation as one of the country’s most competitive offseason tournaments because it consistently features many of the strongest programs from both the UAAP and NCAA. Coaches use the competition to evaluate rotations, integrate new players, and test tactical adjustments against elite opponents before the official season begins.

Although preseason victories do not determine league championships, strong performances often reinforce player confidence and reveal which systems function effectively under competitive pressure. Teams that consistently execute against quality opposition frequently carry valuable momentum into their respective collegiate campaigns.

Tournament Success Extends Beyond the Standings

The FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup continues providing important developmental opportunities.

• Evaluates new player combinations before league play.
• Tests coaching adjustments against elite competition.
• Strengthens chemistry through meaningful high-level games.
• Builds confidence before the UAAP and NCAA seasons.
• Exposes areas requiring improvement before official competition begins.

Analytical Breakdown: Composure Defined Quarterfinal Success

Single-elimination games often reward composure because every possession carries greater weight than it does during the elimination round. From my experience as a former varsity basketball player, San Beda earned this victory by staying disciplined defensively and trusting its execution despite La Salle’s late surge. Those habits usually define teams capable of sustaining success throughout demanding collegiate tournaments.

UP’s narrow escape also offers valuable lessons before the UAAP season officially begins. I believe overcoming difficult situations strengthens a team’s confidence more than comfortable victories against overmatched opponents. Responding effectively after losing momentum prepares players for the pressure and unpredictability that often decide championship basketball.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won between San Beda and De La Salle in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup?

San Beda defeated De La Salle, 64-59, to advance to the tournament’s Final Four.

Who led San Beda against De La Salle?

Dominic Sarigumba and Zed Etulle each scored 10 points, while Sarigumba also recorded seven assists and six rebounds.

How did UP defeat Mapua?

The Fighting Maroons survived Mapua’s fourth-quarter comeback before securing a 67-64 victory behind Jacob Bayla and Gani Stevens.

Which teams reached the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup semifinals?

The semifinalists are the University of the Philippines, San Beda University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and Jose Rizal University.

Why is the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup important?

The tournament gives UAAP and NCAA programs meaningful high-level competition to refine rotations, evaluate talent, and prepare for their official collegiate seasons.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from Filoil EcoOil Sports on Facebook.