DLSU, Letran collide for Filoil q’finals slots

(Photo by Roy Afable)

The La Salle Green Archers look to bounce back after their 60-53 loss to the University of the East last Saturday in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup when they take on Letran today in the main game of the Monday triple header at the San Juan Arena.

DLSU saw it’s five-match win streak halted by UE and suddenly find themselves in a precarious position for the quarterfinals as several squads are still vying for the last two slots available. Current leaders Ateneo (6-1) and UE (6-2) are already assured of seats in the next round. Still in the hunt are Letran and the University of Santo Tomas who both sport identical 4-3 records. In the event of a identical slates following the eight-match single round robin, the tiebreaker will be wins over the other or a quotient system.

La Salle will find the Knights unwilling victims in the premier summer collegiate basketball tournament and from all indications, this match up will be an explosive affair. With an encounter against rival Ateneo next Saturday, June 1, looming, La Salle will be gunning for a win. Tickets are reportedly selling fast in anticipation of the two team’s first tussle this season.

In the first of the day’s senior matches, San Beda College and the College of Saint Benilde face off at 12:45 pm. The Red Lions defeated NCAA rival University of Perpetual Help Altas 82-75 behind the stellar play of guards Francis Abarcar and Baser Amer to fortify their bid for a quarterfinals slot of Group A for a 4-2 record. National University, undefeated at 8-0, and surprising Arellano University at 6-2 have been assured of seats to the next stage of the competition.

The CSB Blazers who piped Far Eastern University in their last outing have an outside chance with a 3-4 slate. The second match of the seniors games features a battle between winless Lyceum of the Philippines University (0-6) and Emilio Aguinaldo College (1-6) at 1:45pm. La Salle and Letran, old NCAA rivals do battle at 3:30pm.

The Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup is presented by Hanes and Vulcaseal/Bostick. The collegiate basketball tournament is co-presented by Master Facial Wash, Starmobile, Meralco, and San Mig Coffee. Sponsors include DHL, Nature’s Spring, Reyes BBQ, Banco De Oro, and Bayo. Minor sponsors include Molten, Brother’s Burger, San Marino, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Bacchus Energy Drink.

Official Press Release courtesy of Mr. Rick Olivares.