Archers shoot down Tigers in FilOil preseason tilt

MANILA, Philippines -- The La Salle Green Archers bounced back by triuncing on the debuting University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 68-61, in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup action Friday afternoon in San Juan City.

The Archers, who absorbed an opening-day loss at the hands of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons last week, asserted its mastery over the new-look Tigers.

Kevin Quiambao led the Green Archers with 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Henry Agunnane had a massive double-double of 12 markers, 16 boards and five blocks.

Jonnel Policarpio also supplied 12 points off the bench.

UST led by three, 50-47, heading into the fourth quarter with a split from the line by Angelo Crisostomo.

An 8-2 run by La Salle capped by a layup by Raven Cortez gave the Taft-based cagers a 55-52 lead.

A Crisostomo triple tied the game up, but a 13-2 run capped by a pair of free throws by CJ Austria put the game out of reach with three minutes to go, 68-57.

Nic Cabanero led the Espana-based squad with 14 points, making 6-of-13 field goals, while also recording seven rebounds, three steals and two assists. He was the lone UST player in double digits.

New Tigers Forthsky Padrigao and Ice Danting had nine markers apiece. The former shot a dismal 3-of-14 from the field but had six boards, three dimes and two steals.

Earlier in the day, Janrey Pasaol exploded for the Far Eastern University Tamaraws as they defeated the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 77-67.

The guard had a rousing debut in the collegiate ranks with 25 points, seven assists and three rebounds.

Jorick Bautista produced 13 off the bench.

Arthur Calisay led the flight of the Falcons with 11.

The NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions also remained unblemished after blasting the Lyceum Pirates, 76-66.

Jomel Puno led San Beda with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

John Barba spearheaded the Pirates with 17 and five.

The Perpetual Help Altas also won over the Letran Knights, 77-69, while the Arellano University Chiefs eked out an 80-79 decision over the Jose Rizal University Bombers.