Fighting Maroons Dominate La Salle to Finish Elims Unbeaten
The University of the Philippines continued its dominant run in the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup with another commanding victory over one of its biggest collegiate rivals. The Fighting Maroons overwhelmed De La Salle University through relentless interior scoring and physical defense, officially securing the No. 1 seed in the UAAP Group before the end of the elimination round.
The convincing performance reinforced why UP has emerged as one of the leading championship contenders entering the upcoming UAAP season. Balanced scoring, disciplined execution, and exceptional frontcourt depth once again separated the Fighting Maroons from another quality opponent.
UP Establishes Control from the Opening Minutes
UP dictated the pace immediately by attacking the paint and controlling the rebounding battle from the opening possession. Tiebreaker Times reported that the Fighting Maroons defeated La Salle, 98-69, in San Juan to improve to 5-0 and officially secure the top spot in the UAAP Group ahead of their final elimination-round assignment against Far Eastern University.
The Fighting Maroons built an early 9-2 advantage before extending the lead to 40-23 late in the second quarter through consistent interior scoring and disciplined defensive rotations. Their physicality prevented La Salle from establishing any rhythm inside, allowing UP to carry a commanding 48-33 lead into halftime.
Image from: Filoil EcoOil Sports/Facebook
Frontcourt Set the Competitive Tone
UP’s size and physical presence consistently created high-percentage scoring opportunities while limiting La Salle’s effectiveness around the basket. By controlling both ends of the floor early, the Fighting Maroons forced the Green Archers to play from behind throughout the afternoon.
Third Quarter Ends Any Chance of a Comeback
La Salle attempted to regroup after halftime, but UP immediately answered with another dominant stretch that removed any remaining doubt about the outcome. The Fighting Maroons relied on efficient ball movement, aggressive defense, and balanced scoring to extend their advantage beyond thirty points before the final quarter began.
Rather than depending on a single offensive star, UP showcased the depth that has made it one of the country’s strongest collegiate basketball programs. Contributions from multiple players allowed the Maroons to maintain offensive efficiency while continuing to pressure La Salle defensively.
Balanced Offense Broke the Game Open
Veejay Pre, Francis Nnoruka, and Chicco Briones sparked the decisive third-quarter run that pushed the lead to 77-44. Their combined production highlighted UP’s ability to generate offense from several positions instead of relying on one primary scorer.
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Interior Dominance Decides the Matchup
The statistical comparison reflected UP’s overwhelming advantage in the areas that often determine success in high-level collegiate basketball. Superior rebounding, efficient interior scoring, and consistent physical play allowed the Fighting Maroons to dictate virtually every phase of the contest.
Assistant coach Christian Luanzon acknowledged that UP’s size created favorable opportunities but stressed that execution remained the deciding factor throughout the victory. He also emphasized that the team’s dominant first half established the momentum that carried through the remainder of the game.
Team Comparison
- Points in the Paint: UP 64 – La Salle 24
- Rebounds: UP 50 – La Salle 33
- Final Score: UP 98 – La Salle 69
“Definitely. But it’s still up to them to take advantage.”
“Today, ang laki ng bagay ng first half, because we set the tone.”
Balanced Scoring Highlights UP’s Championship Depth
UP once again demonstrated that its success extends far beyond one standout performer, with multiple players making meaningful contributions throughout the victory. The balanced offensive production allowed the Fighting Maroons to sustain their pace while keeping constant pressure on La Salle’s defense from start to finish.
The team’s willingness to share the basketball and embrace defined roles has become one of its greatest strengths during the preseason. That combination of depth, discipline, and unselfish play continues to strengthen UP’s case as one of the favorites entering the upcoming UAAP season.
Leading Performers
- Francis Nnoruka: 16 points, 4 rebounds
- Chicco Briones: 14 points, including 3 three-pointers
- Veejay Pre: 13 points, 6 rebounds
- Rey Remogat and Joaquin Tovera: Combined 13 points and 11 assists
La Salle Eyes a Strong Response
Although the defeat ended the Green Archers’ four-game winning streak, the result does not diminish their status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders. The preseason still provides valuable opportunities to address weaknesses before the intensity of the UAAP regular season begins.
Jacob Cortez continued his impressive form despite facing constant defensive pressure, finishing with 20 points and nine rebounds to lead La Salle. Improving interior defense and rebounding consistency will likely become major priorities as the Green Archers prepare for the postseason portion of the tournament.
Green Archers Continue Building
La Salle dropped to 4-3 in the UAAP Group standings but remains firmly in the race for a strong postseason position. The experience gained against an unbeaten UP squad should provide valuable lessons as the Green Archers continue refining their system.
NCAA Standings Tighten After Key Victories
The day’s action also reshaped the NCAA Group race as Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Mapúa University strengthened their bids for the top seed. Both victories created additional pressure at the top of the standings, setting up a competitive finish to the elimination round.
Letran relied on another outstanding all-around performance from Titing Manalili, while Mapúa continued its impressive campaign behind Lance Nitura’s scoring. Their victories produced a three-way tie with Jose Rizal University, adding even more intrigue to the race for playoff positioning.
Other Key Results
- Letran def. San Beda, 67-63
- Titing Manalili: 20 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
- Mapúa def. Perpetual, 67-58
- Lance Nitura: 20 points against his former high school
- NCAA Group Leaders
- Letran: 7-1
- Mapúa: 7-1
- Jose Rizal University: 7-1
Analytical Breakdown: Balanced Basketball Builds Champions
UP’s victory was built on a clear identity rather than a single standout performance, with its frontcourt establishing control from the opening minutes. From my experience as a former varsity basketball player, consistently winning the rebounding battle and dominating the paint forces opponents to abandon their preferred game plan and play at your pace instead.
I believe the Fighting Maroons’ greatest strength remains the depth of their rotation and the willingness of every player to embrace a defined role. Balanced scoring, disciplined ball movement, and defensive consistency are qualities that translate well beyond the preseason and often separate legitimate championship contenders from talented teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is UP’s win over La Salle significant?
The victory improved UP to 5-0 and secured the Fighting Maroons the No. 1 seed in the UAAP Group of the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
Who led UP in scoring?
Francis Nnoruka led the Fighting Maroons with 16 points, while Chicco Briones added 14 and Veejay Pre contributed 13.
How did UP dominate La Salle?
UP controlled the game by outscoring La Salle 64-24 in points in the paint and winning the rebounding battle 50-33.
Who was La Salle’s top performer?
Jacob Cortez paced the Green Archers with 20 points and nine rebounds despite the loss.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Filoil EcoOil Sports on Facebook.
