DLSU, UP shoot for wins in Filoil cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – The De La Salle Green Archers shoot for their fourth win in as many outings when they take on the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan on Friday.

The Green Archers, under new head coach Louie Gonzales, have surprised with their young talent and sudden cohesion despite what is said to be a rebuilding phase for them. They have impressed in their wins over UP, Gilas Pilipinas and Perpetual Help.

EAC, on the other hand, is also in rebuilding mode after the graduation of their stars from the previous season, and have showcased some young talent. However, without heady veterans to guide and steady them team, the Generals have struggled and are 0-3 in the tournament.

Game time is 4:30 p.m.

“We have to improve in many facets of the game,” bared EAC head coach Aris Sison in the vernacular. “Some of our veterans have not done well and it is the young players who are responding to the challenge. As you know, the new players will only carry you so far.”

DLSU rookies Brandon Bates, Taane Samuel and Miggy Corteza have impressed while for EAC, JP Maguliano, Philip Tampoc, and point guard Maui Cruz have carried the cudgels.

In other Friday matches, the streaking UP Fighting Maroons, which have won two straight (over NU and the Gilas Cadets respectively), also shoot for a win against the Perpetual Help Altas of new head coach Frankie Lim in the main game at 6:30 p.m. The Altas will be without veteran AJ Coronel, who has been suspended for accumulating two unsportsman-like fouls during their loss to Gilas the previous week.

Speaking of young teams, the rebuilding Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles also go for their second win in juniors caging at 10 a.m. against the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws.

The 1-2 Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates battle the 1-0 College of St. Benilde Blazers at 12:30 p.m. The Pirates have fielded a young team to give their veterans ample time to rest after a grueling PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup tourney where they bagged their first ever title of the Topex Robinson era. The Blazers, a mix of veterans and rookies, defeated JRU in their first tourney outing.

In the 2:15 p.m. match-up, Aldin Ayo’s UST Growling Tigers return to action against the San Sebastian Golden Stags. UST is at 0-1 while San Sebastian is 1-1.

Tickets to the tournament can be purchased at the gate of the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.