The San Beda Red Lions delivered a commanding performance in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on July 19, 2026, defeating the UP Fighting Maroons 93–72 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. The game, which tipped off at 5:00 PM local time, saw the Red Lions control the tempo from start to finish, showcasing the depth and experience that has made them a perennial contender in college basketball.

Match Overview

From the opening quarter, San Beda asserted its dominance, building a double-digit lead by halftime and never allowing the Fighting Maroons to mount a serious comeback. The final score of 93–72 reflected a complete effort on both ends of the floor, with the Red Lions shooting efficiently from the field and forcing numerous turnovers on defense.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Surge: San Beda opened with a 12–2 run in the first five minutes, taking an early 10-point lead that set the tone for the rest of the game.
• Defensive Stand: The Red Lions held UP to just 15 points in the second quarter, extending their lead to 22 points at halftime (48–26).
• UP’s Third-Quarter Push: The Fighting Maroons came out strong after the break, trimming the deficit to 14 points midway through the third, but San Beda answered with a 9–0 run to restore order.
• Closing Statement: In the final quarter, San Beda’s bench unit maintained the intensity, outscoring UP 25–20 to seal the lopsided victory.

Standout Players

San Beda’s balanced attack was led by forward James Onyewu, who posted 22 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Guard Jared Bahay added 18 points and 7 assists, showing excellent court vision in transition. For UP, Harold Alarcon was the lone bright spot with 20 points, but he received little support from his teammates as the Fighting Maroons shot only 38% from the field.

Tactical Story

The Red Lions’ half-court defense was the difference maker. They packed the paint, forced UP into contested jump shots, and limited second-chance opportunities by securing defensive rebounds. Offensively, San Beda moved the ball crisply, recording 23 assists as a team, and capitalized on fast-break opportunities created by their defensive stops.

Season Impact

With this victory, San Beda improved to 3–1 in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, strengthening their position near the top of the standings. For UP, the loss dropped them to 2–2, a reminder of the work needed before the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season begins. The preseason tournament remains an important tune-up for both teams as they fine-tune rotations and strategies.