Bulldogs eye No. 2 vs winless Generals

Games today

12:45 p.m. – Mapua vs Arellano

2:30 p.m. – NU vs EAC

MANILA, Philippines — National U goes for a follow-up to its come-from-behind win over Far Eastern U the last time out as it takes on winless Emilio Aguinaldo College today in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup 2019 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The Bulldogs trailed majority of the way against the Tams but fought their way back to pull off an 82-77 victory Tuesday to go 1-1 following their 69-76 setback to the Letran Knights last Sunday.

Dave Ildefonso took charge for the Bulldogs, firing 19 points  against the Tams. And the son of former PBA star and now NU assistant coach Danny is again expected to carry the cudgels for the team gearing up for the coming UAAP wars.

“The ultimate goal is the UAAP. And this tournament will be an important part of our preparation leading to it,” said NU coach Jamike Jarin.

The Generals, now handled by Oliver Bunyi, are aiming for their first triumph in their 2:30 p.m. duel with the Bulldogs. EAC dropped its assignment against Adamson, 65-89, last May 7.

Mapua U and Arellano U, meanwhile, face off at 12:45 p.m. in a duel of winless squads.

The Cardinals lost their first three outings, including a 61-68 defeat to the La Salle Archers Tuesday while the Chiefs, now under coach Cholo Martin, succumbed against the University of the Philippines Maroons, 69-78, also last May 7.

Mapua struggled badly in losses to Centro Escolar U, 65-84, and against reigning NCAA champion San Beda, 63-80, but put up a tough stand against the Archers.

But consecutive unsportsmanlike fouls by Justin Serrano and Noah Lugo both against La Salle’s Jordan Bartlett late in the fourth quashed the Cardinals hopes to snatch their first victory.