Altas drub Pirates for third straight win

MANILA, Philippines — University of Perpetual Help kept its spotless start in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup with a 69-63 victory over NCAA foe Lyceum of the Philippines University yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Carlo Ferreras’ big steal that led to a booming three with 1:13 remaining propelled the Altas to 66-61 lead, virtually taking the air out of the Pirates. He finished with 19 points on a 4-of-7 clip from the distance as the Las Piñas side stretched its streak in Group I to three.

“Mind-setting ito para sa players, confidence-booster para sa mga bata ito na kaya naming sumabay sa mga makaka-compete namin pagdating ng NCAA,” said coach Myk Saguiguit.

Perpetual also spoiled Enoch Valdez’ 21-point outburst as LPU dropped back-to-back games following a win to open the premiere preseason tournament backed by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten.

In another NCAA teams face-off, College of St. Benilde outfought Emilio Aguinaldo College, 82-80.

Miggy Corteza fronted the winning charge with 22 points.