Altas drub Knights, book quarters entry

MANILA, Philippines — University of Perpetual Help fought off Letran, 81-68, and gained top seed from Group I in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan yesterday.

Jielo Razon starred in the Altas’ 14-4 blitz from a two-point edge early in the fourth period en route to the crucial win that assured them a quarterfinals berth in the preseason tournament backed by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten.

“I’ll take this win. Sa coaching career ko sa NCAA, (Letran) na lang yung team na ‘di ko natatalo. Dun naging sweet,” said coach Myk Saguiguit with the win that gave them a closing 7-2 card in the eliminations.

Letran finished in a three-way tie with St. Benilde and Lyceum of the Philippines U at 6-3 but dropped to No. 4 with an inferior quotient.

In Group II, National U battled back from 18 down and turned back Far Eastern U, 73-67.

The Bulldogs finished the elims at 7-2, but settled for third seed in the play-in tournament with UP taking second spot.