Unbeaten La Salle outguns UST to clinch top spot in UAAP group of FilOil Preseason Cup

The DLSU Green Archers maintained their unbeaten streak in the Playtime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup by defeating the UST Growling Tigers 94-86 on July 9 at FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan. This victory secured DLSU's top position in the UAAP group with a perfect 6-0 record, while UST dropped to 4-2.

The game intensified late in the third quarter when Jacob Cortez received a hard foul from Gelo Crisostomo, resulting in technical fouls against DLSU's Mike Phillips and UST's Peter Osang for second motions. This incident fueled DLSU's momentum, allowing them to expand a four-point lead entering the fourth quarter into an 85-73 advantage.

UST's Leland Estacio and Mur Alao narrowed the gap to 86-90 with consecutive three-pointers, but DLSU maintained composure. Mason Amos secured the win with a decisive basket. Amos and Kean Baclaan led DLSU with 18 points each, supported by Phillips (14 points) and Cortez (11 points). Ice Danting top-scored for UST with 19 points, including six three-pointers, while Nic Cabanero added 18.

DLSU advances to face the Arellano Chiefs in the crossover quarterfinals, while UST will play against the EAC Generals.