By Ivan Saldajeno
SAN JUAN, MM--Nick Omorogbe made a triumphant return to Perpetual Help, but this time as a coach.
And it came in fashion as he spoiled Bo Perasol's own homecoming at UP as their new gaffer.
The Altas made an early statement in their FilOil Flying V Preseason Cup debut after walloping the Junior Maroons, 73-61, at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Wednesday.
Perpetual Help banked on an 18-7 third quarter to pull away for good from UP.
Gab Dagangon made 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, eight rebounds, and one steal, while Prince Eze added 13 points, six rebounds, one assist, and three blocks for the Altas, who aim to bounce back from barely missing the NCAA Final Four right on the final day of last season's eliminations.
Lionel Tekoudjou tallied ten markers and six boards for the Maroons, who hope that through Perasol, they will jump out of the cellar and at least a run for the UAAP playoffs.
Kyles Lao only scored two points in his comeback game after he injured his ACL in last year's edition of the said tournament.
Box Scores:
Perpetual Help 73-Dagangon 15, Eze 13, Ylagan 11, Akhuetie 11, Lucente 6, Singontiko 5, Dizon 5, Coronel 3, Pido 2, Sadiwa 2, Yuhico 0, Saldua 0, Oliveria 0, Mangalino 0, Hao 0
UP 61-Tekoudjou 10, Longa 8, Moralde 8, Asilum 7, Harris 5, Desiderio 5, Webb 5, Dario 4, Vito 3, Lao 2, Abarcar 2, Sablan 2, Romero 0, Jaboneta 0, Española 0, Battad 0, Bederi 0
Quarterscores: 23-15, 40-30, 58-37, 73-61
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