Chiefs battle fancied Tams

Games today

12:45 p.m. – UP vs St. Benilde

2:30 p.m. – Arellano U vs FEU

4:15 p.m. – Perpetual vs Jose Rizal

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano gets the chance to test its real strength as it faces fancied Far Eastern U today, looking for a fifth straight victory and respect in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

“It’s a tough test for us because we all know that FEU is a tough team,” said Arellano U team coach Koy Banal, who incidentally led the Tams to a UAAP championship more than a decade back before moving to the NCAA where he steered the Lions to the 2006 NCAA crown.

In this year’s pre-season tilt, Banal powered the Chiefs to four straight victories.

They beat the Perpetual Help Altas, 74-65, last April 19, trounced the University of the Phl Maroons, 74-66, last April 22, blasted the St. Benilde Blazers, 67-50, last April 27, then foiled the Adamson Falcons, 80-71, last Saturday.

Another victory in their 2:30 p.m. showdown with the Tams will validate the Chiefs’ claim as a chief title contender.

Fil-Canadian James Forrester has been dishing out big games together with Nard Pinto, who posted a career- and league-high 14 assists to go with 10 points, five rebounds and three steals in their emphatic triumph over the Falcons.

The Chiefs, however, will be up against the high-scoring pair of Terrence Romeo and Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 cadet standout RR Garcia.

“We have to limit, if not stop, Romeo and Garcia if we want to have a chance at beating FEU,” he said.

Meanwhile, State U (0-2) and St. Benilde (0-3) seek their first win in Group A at 12:45 p.m. while Perpetual Help (0-3) and Jose Rizal (1-2) try to improve their marks in their 4:15 p.m. encounter.