#FilOil2019: UP blasts Mapua to move to second in Group A

SAN JUAN -- Juan Gomez de Liaño returned to the fold at the right time as UP boosted its playoff aspirations after trouncing Mapua, 80-71 to open the Seniors tripleheaders of the FilOil FlyingV preseason Cup last May 27 at the FilOil FlyingV Centre.

Bo Perasol's Fighting Maroons did not have Ricci Rivero and Kobe Paras in uniform, but it did not matter as the lefty de Liaño made mincemeat of the Cardinals, earning for themselves back-to-back wins and a 4-2 record. They are now half a game behind Group A leaders La Salle for second.

Juan had 17 points off the bench to lead State U, including a perfect 9/9 free throw shooting as they led by as much as 26 in the third period.

Jun Manzo added 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists to help the incoming junior guard.

Warren Bonifacio had another double-double, this time with 23 points and 13 rebounds for the already eliminated Mapua who slid down further at 1-5

The scores:

UP 80 -- Juan Gomez De Liaño 17, Manzo 15, Spencer 9, Akhuetie 9, Gozum 7, Webb 6, Tungcab 6, Murrell 6, Longa 3, Gob 2, Jaboneta 0, Javi Gomez De Liaño 0

Mapua 71 -- Bonifacio 23, Jabel 15, Victoria 13, Salenga 8, Dela Cruz 4, Pido 4, Garcia 2, Lugo 2, Bunag 0, Nieles 0

Quarter scores: 19-16, 35-29, 64-39, 80-71

(photo: JF Bautista/FilOil FlyingV Sports)