Archers, Eagles stage showdown in opener

The Blue Eagles of the Ateneo de Manila University are anticipating a big challenge as they face the comebacking Green Archers of the De La Salle University in the main draw of today’s opening triple-header matches in the much-anticipated Filoil-Flying V Pre-Season Invitational Cup at the San Juan Arena in San Juan.

Simple welcome rites and ceremonial toss by special guests San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito, Filoil president Francisco Pasicolan, Total Philippines vice president for sales Dexter Flores with league chairman David Dualan and commissioner Virgil Villavicencio formally open the month-long event.

In the last couple of weeks, Ateneo head coach Norman Black has been priming his team mentally and physically because he is anticipating a breakout game from Franz Pumaren’s De La Salle squad which is returning to active duty after serving a one-year suspension meted by UAAP last year.

True, the Green Archers may be a bit rusty from the lull, but Black, a multi-titled mentor in the Philippine Basketball Association, is taking no chances.  In fact, he reminds his wards to play their best always especially when facing their fiercest archrival in the collegiate basketball.

The Archers, who won the Filoil-Flying V Homegrown Invitational Cup last year, are tipped to win anew as stalwarts Rico Maierhoffer, Cholo Villanueva, TY Tang, and JV Casio return for another tour of duty for La Salle.

The first game features NCAA defending champion San Beda versus favorite Letran at 2 p.m. while Jose Rizal University faces a tough National University in the 6 p.m. nightcap.

Filoil, Portagas, Flying V-Bio Diesel, Filpride-USA 88, Total Petroleum, Elf Lubricants, CDO Sausages, Smart Communications, Metro Oil, Bubble Tea, Banco de Oro, Security Bank, Gerry’s Grill and ACCEL are sponsors.

Tickets are available at TicketNet offices or at the gate of the San Juan Arena. Games aired over Solar Basketball TV.