UP catches fire in 2nd half to clip Mapua in FilOil opener

Carl Tamayo quickly put his lessons from Gilas into practice in his first game back with the Fighting Maroons. UAAP Season 84 Media Team (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

SAN JUAN, MM--The University of the Philippines caught fire in the second half to clobber Mapua, 83-59, in the return of the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Saturday at the newly renamed FilOil EcoOil Centre.

In the battle pitting two of the finalists from the previous collegiate seasons, the reigning UAAP champions pulled away from the NCAA runners-up in the second half with the Fighting Maroons outscoring the Cardinals, 52-26, in the final 20 minutes.

In his first game back with UP following his Gilas Pilipinas stint earlier this month, Carl Tamayo made 16 points, 16 rebounds, and two assists to steer his team to victory.

Longtime comrade Gerry Abadiano added 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

Warren Bonifacio and Carl Lacap each scored 11 markers for Mapua.

The Scores:

UP 83 -- Tamayo 16, Abadiano 13, Catapusan 9, Gonzales 7, Torculas 7, Fortea 6, Calimag 6, Ramos 6, Cagulangan 5, Alarcon 5, Madrigal 3.

MAPUA 59 -- Bonifacio 11, Lacap 11, Garcia 9, Pido 9, Gamboa 7, Hernandez 5, Cuenco 3, Soriano 2, Agustin 2, Igliane 0, Salenga 0, Parinas 0.

Quarters: 12-16, 31-33, 57-46, 83-59.

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