UP’s LeBron Lopez. FILOIL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—CJ Cansino returned and made his presence felt in University of the Philippines’ 91-75 trouncing of Far Eastern University in the Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup at San Juan Arena on Saturday.
Cansino, who spent last season on the sidelines with an ACL injury, finished with 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field and two assists in 10 minutes of play.
“Of course, I’m very happy because it’s almost been a year since I last played. All the fatigue and patience I gave is paying off now,” said Cansino, who was also named the Fighting Maroons’ team captain.
Janjan Felicilda spearheaded UP in the scoring column with 19 points while JD Cagulangan sank all of his four shots from downtown to finish with 18 points. New recruit Francis “LeBron” Lopez also showed out with 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Season 85 finalists.
Perpetual Help, meanwhile, defeated Mapua, 69-67, spoiling Clint Escamis’ homecoming game.
Arthur Roque led the Altas with 18 points while Mark Omega handled business in the paint with 12 points and 10 boards.
Escamis, a Mapua high school standout before transferring to University of the East and returning to Mapua, topscored for the Cardinals with an all-around effort of 17 points, five boards, four assists and five steals.
In another all-NCAA matchup, San Sebastian topped NCAA Season 98 finalist College of St. Benilde, 94-84.
Rafael Are and Alex Desoyo combined for 39 points for the Stags.
The Blazers, who played without NCAA MVP Will Gozum, drew 19 points from Miggy Corteza.
Adamson leaned on JM Sabandal to turn back St Clare, 75-64.
Sabandal led the Soaring Falcons with 19 points built on three triples. Vince Magbuhos added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.