In their respective games, University of the Philippines and De La Salle-College of St. Benilde won on Saturday at the 16th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup in San Juan.
In a back-and-forth contest, the Fighting Maroons held off National University, 72-65, before UP gradually pulled away in the final minutes.
Harold Alarcon led the team to its second straight victory and an improved record of 5-2 with 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Malick Diouf added 14 points and four boards.
The Bulldogs, who are now 3-2, lost thanks to Patrick Yu's 16 points, two rebounds, and two assists, and Ian Jolo Manansala's double-double of 12 points and 10 boards.
In a rematch of the NCAA Final Four, the Blazers defeated San Beda University 96-87, with the CSB dominating the paint and outscoring the Red Lions 50-38.
As the Blazers improved to 5-2, Migs Oczon and Robin Nayve combined for 49 significant points, six of which came from beyond the arc. Zenric Jarque added 10 points and four rebounds.