Games Wednesday:

(FilOil EcoOil)

10 a.m. – Perpetual vs. EAC

12 p.m. – Faith Colleges vs. Adamson

2 p.m. – San Beda vs. JRU

4 p.m. – UE vs. Ateneo

University of the Philippines overcame a shortened rotation before fighting off very game St. Clare College of Caloocan, 67-61, to secure a quarterfinal berth in the 2023 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup Tuesday at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Sean Alter made quite the first impression in the tourney with 12 points and seven rebounds, Reyland Torres poured in 16 points while Harold Alarcon hit clutch shots as part of his eight points, eight rebounds, and three assists as the Fighting Maroons seized a share of second in Group II at 6-2.

"I'm very happy with the way they responded in the game. It happens but players stepped up," UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde said as he celebrated his birthday with a quarterfinals berth-clinching win.

UP – playing without Malick Diouf, CJ Cansino, and Francis Lopez, among others – battled the Saints throughout a match that featured 18 lead changes and seven deadlocks. The two teams were all even at 61-61 with four minutes remaining until Alarcon and Alter connived for six straight points, while their defense firmed up and allowed no more baskets by St. Clare.

"I just landed here four days ago. I'm still adjusted, but I feel like I've really hit the ground running," the 6-foot-8 prized Fil-Am recruit Alter said.

For the Saints, Megan Galang topped the scoring column with 14 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Now at 4-4, they need to win their last assignment against UAAP champion Ateneo de Manila University (1-5) to have a shot at the next round.

Jose Rizal University, meantime, ousted Mapua University from quarterfinals contention with a 93-84 decision.