UP Maroons win Filoil Preseason Cup, eye UAAP three-peat

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons secured their third consecutive victory in the PlayTime Cares Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup and are now preparing for a historic three-peat defense of their UAAP Season 88 title.

Team captain Gerry Abadiano led the squad to a 79-65 win over National University in the finals and was named Tournament Most Valuable Player, emphasizing that the team's main goal is defending the UAAP crown.

UP's core players include Harold Alarcon, Jacob Bayla, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, and Gani Stevens, with the addition of former UAAP Mythical Team member Rey Remogat and Nigerian player Francis Nnoruka.

The Maroons aim to maintain their momentum as they prepare for a tough title defense against seven challengers, including arch-rival La Salle, after a productive training camp in Serbia and a successful preseason campaign.

UP's recent successes are seen as just the beginning of an ambitious season with the UAAP set to open in mid-September.