Filoil Flying V Cup: USC, UV shoot for 1st win

CEBU, Philippines - After a poor first outing, Cebu-based schools University of San Carlos and the University of  the Visayas shoot for their first win in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Friday, May 2, at the San Juan Arena.

Unfortunately, they will have to earn that victory against one another. The USC Warriors and the UV Green Lancers take each other on at 12:30 noon. The Warriors were blown out by the JRU Heavy Bombers on account of the three-point shooting of Philip Paniamogan and Jaycee Asuncion while UV were outhustled by the under-sized Perpetual Help Altas en route to a 83-61 win.

Both USC coach Junthy Valenzuela and UV coach Donbel Belano admitted that their respective teams were a little in awe and timid in the face of Manila competition. “We will play better next time,” said Valenzuela. “Most of the boys had not played here and there’s a period of adjustment.”

Belano concurred, “We did not play to our true potential. But no excuses. We lost. We have to adjust and learn. Maybe playing against another Cebuano team will help. Unfortunate kasi isa sa amin ang mahuhulog sa 0-2.”

Following the game between the Cebu squads, NAASCU champion Centro Escolar University looks to keep its Filoil slate clean when they play College of St. Benilde that is making its Filoil debut at 2:15 p.m.  The Blazers figured in the championship match of the Philippines Invitational Cup last April 27 in Iloilo where they lost to Ateneo, 79-74. CEU on the other hand, conquered Emilio Aguinaldo College, 76-67, in their Filoil debut April 28.

San Sebastian College likewise shoots for its second win of the tourney when they face EAC in the last seniors match at 4 p.m. The SSCR Stags squeaked past the University of the Philippines 81-78 last Saturday, April 26.

Rounding out the day’s matches are the UE Amazons taking on the CSB Lady Blazers at 10:45 a.m. in the lone Women’s match while the Ateneo Blue Eaglets tangle with the Letran Squires in the nightcap at 5:45 p.m.

Tickets to the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup are available at all SM TicketNet outlets as well as the game venue.

The preseason collegiate basketball tournament is sponsored by Filoil, Flying V, Total, Hanes, Timex, Starmobile, San Miguel Corporation, Meralco, BDO, Silverworks, Gatorade, Gerry’s Grill, Reyes Barbecue, LGR, Brothers Burger, BPI, PBCom, Molten, CDO, Bayo, Douwe Egberts, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Oxycan, Red Logo and Bacchus.— Philstar.com