Xyrus Torres flexed his crunch time flair as Far Eastern University weathered a late storm brought by Ateneo de Manila University, 60-54, Friday for its third consecutive victory in the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Torres dropped nine of his 14 points in the last eight minutes to make sure the Tamaraws kept within striking distance for a quarterfinals seat.

Cholo Anonuevo then chipped in 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists for FEU, which improved to a 4-3 win-loss slate at solo fifth in Group II.

"I always remind them to play tough defense. We win because of our defense. Even if we struggle on offense as long as we show effort on defense we will win," head coach Denok Miranda said.

Aside from Torres, no other FEU player scored in the last eight minutes except for Patrick Sleat whose breakaway layup with 5.8 seconds left sealed the deal.

The Tamaraws' defense, however, stood strong and forced five turnovers and four misses by the Blue Eagles in the same timeframe.

FEU kept the Blue Eagles winless in four outings. Kai Ballungay was the lone Ateneo player in double-digits with 13 points on top of nine rebounds and two assists.

Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines University stretched its streak to five thanks to a smooth-sailing 81-67 triumph over San Beda University.

The Pirates used a 35-point third quarter to run away from the Red Lions all the way to solo second in Group I of the premiere preseason tournament backed by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten.

John Barba captained the pivotal period and totaled 22 points, while Enoch Valdez also added 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

LPU (6-2) can secure a slot in the next round with a win on Monday against College of St. Benilde (5-2), which is in a three-team logjam with Mapua University and Colegio de San Juan de Letran at the third- and fourth-spots.