Adamson to test mettle of UST in FilOil Cup

MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas finally nabbed their first win in three matches in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup. Now, they're set to build on it. The Growling Tigers defeated the struggling Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 98-88, last Wednesday.

But standing in their way are the tough, talented, and deep Adamson Soaring Falcons who defeated Letran, 83-80, last Tuesday.

UST is still playing minus Steve Akomo who has been unavailable due to academic issues. Growling Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo bared that African center will play at least two matches in this tournament as he works his way back into game shape.

The Soaring Falcons, despite losing Tyrus Hill, Kurt Lojera, and Nikko Paranada who all left for varying reasons, could still rely on pick-ups Jerome Lastimosa, Vince Magbuhos, and Egie Boy Mojica. They have all impressed in their recent matches across all tournaments.

Adamson and UST battle in the nightcap of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup, at 6:30 pm, Friday, May 18 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

In other matches, the National University will also try to build on their 86-81 win over the Gilas Cadets who have been ousted from quarterfinals contention after the loss. The Bulldogs will match up with the 0-3 University of Perpetual Help Altas in the 4:40 pm game.

Surprise Group B leader, the College of St. Benilde, who are 3-0 after taking down JRU, San Sebastian, and FEU, will battle another rebuilding team in the 2-1 Arellano University Chiefs in the 12:30 pm match. San Sebastian which has lost three players in the off-season to other squads amidst rumors of locker room discontent, tackle JRU in 2:15 match.

During the last NCAA season, forward Rhanzelle Yong left for Lyceum of the Philippines University. And following the end of the D-League Aspirants’ Cup, forward Jason David who has played well for the Stags in the past two seasons decamped for LPU as well as point guard Renzo Navarro.

In Hanes One-On-One King of the Hardcourt matches, Ateneo rookie Jason Credo battles San Sebastian’s Kevin Baytan at 12noon while FEU’s Mike Casiño faces off against Arellano University’s Maui Sera-Josef at 4 pm.

Tickets to the summer joust are available at the venue gate.