MANILA, Philippines – The two unlikely semifinalists at the start of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup – Southwestern University and Centro Escolar University – are now waiting for their next foe.
With CESAFI and NAASCU represented in what has traditionally been the stomping ground of NCAA and UAAP powers is now a free for all. Especially now that La Salle and FEU as well as San Beda and NU will be locking horns at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively, in an explosive Fourth of June double header at the San Juan Arena. There’s the possible subplot of which is the best collegiate league.
The Green Archers finished with a 4-2 record while the Tamaraws swept their elimination round assignments, 6-0. For FEU head coach Nash Racela, that doesn’t mean much since the barometer is La Salle. His FEU team squared off with the Archers in a practice game in the middle of the summer and his side got beat bad.
“The San Beda game was an important win because they are like La Salle – tall, fast, athletic and with a deep bench. Hopefully, we can play better this time,†noted the second-year FEU mentor.
FEU’s win over San Beda snapped the Red Lions’ win streak and as a result, instead of copping the number one overall seed, they find themselves playing the unpredictable NU Bulldogs that is in their post-Ray Parks phase.
The Bulldogs now led by Glenn Khobuntin, Troy Rosario, Gelo Alolino and Alfred Aroga, finished with a 5-1 record, with their only loss inflicted upon them by CEU the eventual number one overall seed.
Added San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez, “Now that the games are all against the top teams in the tournament, we will get a chance to see where we stand and how we can fare come the NCAA season.â€