Unbeaten De La Salle University hardly broke a sweat in a clinical pounding of hapless Faith Colleges of Batangas, 105-60, in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup yesterday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Green Archers extended their winning streak to seven games to remain on top of Group II.
La Salle’s firepower proved too much for the broken Bravehearts as Kevin Quiambao came off the bench to lead the reserves to a 65-point assault.
Quiambao got 17 points to go along with nine rebounds while Ben Phillips produced 12 points on top of four rebounds, two assists, and two steals for the Green Archers.
But despite the blowout win where La Salle even held a 48-point lead, head coach Topex Robinson felt his wards could have done better.
“We actually played lousy basketball today. It’s very disappointing to see our players play that way. We expected more. It’s not who we are. We should be better,” Robinson said.
Faith Colleges did get a taste of the lead, 5-3, until Robinson sent in his shock troopers Quiambao and Bright Nwankwo for a 30-6 rush in the next eight minutes for a 33-11 advantage La Salle would never relinquish.
‘We actually played lousy basketball today.’
Nwankwo wound up with 12 points and five rebounds, while Jonnel Policarpio had 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists for La Salle.
Robinson’s disappointment was due to his concern about his wards’ attitude ahead of the marquee duel against archrival Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday.
“We cannot show up every day being a mediocre team. We have to always honor the game. What would have happened if we were playing Ateneo today and we played like that?” he said.
Jude Torrato led the Bravehearts, winless in five outings, with 15 points, four assists and three steals.
Meanwhile, National University rediscovered its winning ways after beating University of the East, 91-69.
John Galinato led three Bulldogs in double-digits with 15 points, as they clamped down on defense and forced 27 turnovers that were turned into 41 points.
NU improved to 2-1 win-loss record in Group II.
The Red Warriors fell to 2-4 despite a 31-point outburst from Noy Remogat.
In the other match, Lyceum of the Philippines University kept Arellano University winless with an 82-68 decision.
