3 teams step up bids for quarterfinals slots

MANILA, Philippines - The chase for the last two quarterfinals slots in Group B heats up today as the protagonists go all-out for a win in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Pre-Season Premier Cup at the Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Jose Rizal U (2-3), Mapua (2-1), University of the East (2-3) and Letran (2-4) are all looking for a third win to firm up their respective quarters bids.

The Heavy Bombers and the Cardinals clash in the opener at 12:30 p.m. while the Red Warriors and the Knights square off at 4 p.m. in a pair of crucial games.

In the other seniors match, winless St. Benilde (0-5) takes Emilio Aguinaldo College (1-4), also in Group B of the tournament presented by Pioneer Mighty Bond Xtreme and Elastoseal with major sponsors Filoil, Flying V, Total Phils., Gerry’s Grill, BDO, Oxycan, Bayo, Cobra Energy Drink, TMS Ship Agencies, San Marino Corned Tuna and Molten. 

The Cardinals are coming off a morale-boosting 80-62 rout of the Knights and are seeking to make it two straight when they face the tough Bombers.

‘’I like what we’re doing so far but we can’t stop. We need to continue our development and get more wins. We’re treating every game a must win,’’ said Mapua coach Chito Victolero.

The four squads, along with idle University of the Philippines (3-2), need every win they could get heading into the last stretch of the elims.