Falcons eye third win in Filoil Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Adamson University guns for solo second in Group B today against a San Sebastian squad (0-2) deadset on clinching its maiden victory in the 2012 Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Hanes Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Falcons, whose last victims were the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (77-59), shoot for win No. 3 that will put them a little closer to the group front-runner, unbeaten National U (6-0).

“San Sebastian is a tough opponent. We know they will be very eager to finally win so we have to be ready against them,” said AdU coach Leo Austria of their rival in the 3:30 p.m. game.

Fresh from US training, the Golden Stags suffered two heartbreaking losses since starting their campaign in the tournament presented by Bostik Phils. Inc., in cooperation with Total Phils., Corp and major sponsors Vulcaseal, Meralco, TMS KIA Motors,  Ship Agencies, Inc., Nature’s Spring, BDO, Molten, Bayo and Oxycan.

The reigning PCCL champions opened their bid with a 65-79 setback to Jose Rizal U last Monday and  blew a nine-point lead in the last five minutes in a numbing 73-76 meltdown to the Bulldogs the other day.

In Group A action, De La Salle U (2-1) hopes to keep its streak going against University of the Philippines (1-3).

The Archers have won their last two outings, 80-73 over Letran and 78-70 over University of Santo Tomas, to stay on third spot in Group A behind San Beda (7-0) and Ateneo (6-1).

State U goes into the 5:15 pm match with a winning mindset after breaking a three-game slump with a 67-41 triumph over Perpetual Help just two days back.

“It’s good to get the first win. This will be a confidence booster for the guys,” said coach Ricky Dandan. “Half of the team is new to the system; three guys are coming off injuries from last year, and there are two rookies undergoing residency, so they’re still adjusting.”

Meanwhile, organizers announced that tickets to the Ateneo versus La Salle game slated June 2 will be available starting May 15. They added that the exact schedule for that anticipated match-up will be announced later.