Archers must hurdle Eagles for Last 8 bid

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo and La Salle expect a tight, highly physical duel that has marked all their previous face-offs – their showdown on Saturday in the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Hanes Cup also serving as a test of strength for the upcoming UAAP wars.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University (5-1) and San Sebastian College (5-2) dispute the No. 2 spot in Group B in a duel of streaking teams at 5:15 p.m. today.

The Tamaraws have won five of their last six games while the Stags have swept their last five games after dropping their two assignments.

This early, tickets for the match slated at 6 p.m. have been selling briskly, according to the organizers. League consultant Joey Guillermo, however, said tickets are still available thru SM Tickets (470-2222), at the Flying V Arena or at the alumni offices of the competing schools.

The match will be aired on a delayed basis at 11:30 p.m. with replay on June 3 at 3:30 p.m.

The Ateneo-La Salle game actually has become even more crucial for the Green Archers, who need to get past the Eagles after losing to the Mapua Cardinals, 61-67, last Monday, to remain in contention for a quarterfinal berth.

The Eagles, who have already secured a spot in the Last 8 before leaving for the US for their annual pre-season buildup, are still expected to shoot for a win in a bid to improve their 6-1 slate and get that winning feeling as they head to the quarters.   

The loss to Mapua dropped La Salle into a three-way tie with Letran and UST at 4-3 with another setback to Ateneo coupled with a win by Letran over San Beda will oust the Green Archers from the race.