JOSE RIZAL University (JRU) shoots for its third win in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup when it takes on University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) on Wednesday at the San Juan Arena.
The Vergel Meneses-coached JRU squad edged FEU, 57-55, in a Group A opener then held off College of Saint Benilde, 72-66, on Monday. They square off with the Jaguars at 1:30 p.m.
Making their tournament debut are Lyceum of the Philippines University, now coached by Michael “Topex” Robinson, and Centro Escolar University, the surprise team of last year’s tournament when it finished fourth, which face each other at 11:45 a.m. University of Perpetual Help and Letran face off at 3:15 p.m.
The Altas lost three key players in Juneric Baloria, Justine Alano and Harold Arboleda to the professional ranks, leaving reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player Earl Scottie Thompson to hold the fort with Chris Elopre, Flash Sadiwa, Gab Daganon and Ric Gallardo.
The CEU Scorpions are returning with the hardworking Rodrigue Ebondo, the sweet-shooting Samboy de Leon, point guards Mon Abundo and JK Casiño, and tough power forward Alfred Batiño.
In a battle of winless squads, University of Santo Tomas and Mapua play in a battle of winless teams at 5 p.m.
Rick Olivares