Eagles eye win No. 3; San Beda tests Gilas cadets

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles shoot for their third win in as many games when they tackle winless but no less dangerous University in the Philippines in the penultimate match Sunday's Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup action. 

Ateneo survived a late game meltdown to squeak past San Beda, 69-68, for its second win. The Blue Eagles battle a deep and talented UP team that has yet to put it together. 

The Fighting Maroons lost to La Salle during the tournament’s opening weekend, then fell to Mapua a day later. 

The two sides clash at 4:30 p.m. followed by the San Beda-Gilas match in the 6:30 p.m. nightcap at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. 

In the main game, the Red Lions will look to right its ship when it tackles a Gilas cadet team that is searching for answers. During 
the opening day loss to Ateneo, the nationals were never allowed to get into the groove of the game by the Blue Eagles; losing 75-69. 

Against La Salle last Saturday, the cadets posted a huge 20-point lead in the first half only to lose it and get blown off the court by the Green Archers in the fourth period, 91-72.

“It’s not an excuse but we still lack chemistry and getting more games like these under our belt,” said Kobe Paras, who topscored for Gilas with 19 points. 

“We also do not have a complete lineup so we have players playing positions they are unfamiliar with. But that is why we 
play in tournaments like this -- to gain experience playing as team. This is how we get better. Having said that, the loss is still a reality check.” 

During that match, cadet Ricci Rivero had a forgettable match against his former team as he scored only six points in 21 minutes of play. 

In other matches, the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers look to get on the win track when they battle the College of Saint Benilde, which is making is tournament debut, in the opening game slated for 12:30 p.m. JRU lost to Lyceum last Saturday, 90-69. 

The Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals will take to the Filoil Flying V Centre court for the first time this summer sans Sidney Onwubere and Francis Munsayac, who have both graduated. EAC will battle Mapua in the 2:30 p.m. match.