Scorpions try to keep card clean vs Maroons

MANILA, Philippines - University of the Philippines tests Centro Escolar University’s mettle while the Philippine Youth Under-18 team returns to action against St. Clare College in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup today at the San Juan Arena. 

The CEU Scorpions, the current NAASCU champions bannered by a number of PBA D-League veterans, swept their first two games in Group C by an average winning margin of nine points, making them the slight favorites against the Maroons in their 4 p.m. match.

The Diliman-based squad split its first two matches, surviving a furious rally by the St. Benilde Blazers to score a 79-69 win after dropping a sorry 78-81 setback to the San Sebastian Stags. 

CEU is again expected to back on starters Mon Abundo, Rodrigue Ebondo, Joseph Sedurifa, and Alfred Batiño while UP head coach Rey Madrid will pin his hopes on Mikee Reyes, Henry Asilum, JR Gallarza, and newly promoted player from Team B, Dave Moralde.

Meanwhile, the Nationals, fresh from their victory in the SEABA Championship, take on the St. Clare College side at 12:30 p.m. while Emilio Aguinaldo College squares off with Holy Trinity College of General Santos City in the other match.

In women’s play, UP battles National U at 10:45 a.m. while Ateneo collides with San Beda in the lone juniors match at 5:45 p.m.

Tickets to the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup are available at all SM TicketNet outlets as well as the game venue.

The pre-season collegiate basketball tournament is sponsored by Filoil, Flying V, Total, Hanes, Timex, Starmobile, San Miguel Corporation, Meralco, BDO, Silverworks, Gatorade, Gerry’s Grill, Reyes Barbecue, LGR, Brothers Burger, BPI, PBCom, NLEX, Molten, CDO, Bayo, Douwe Egberts, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Oxycan, Red Logo, and Bacchus.