NATIONAL University (NU) and University of the Philippines (UP) knock each other out as they try to get past the eliminations of the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Bulldogs and Fighting Maroons, both sporting 4-3 won-lost records, take the floor at 1:30 p.m.
UP had a chance to advance earlier but were halted by the Arellano University Chiefs, 68-73, in their last outing.
It was the same route for the Bulldogs, who opened the Premier Cup with three straight wins before going to a tailspin with three consecutive losses.
NU’s 104-88 demolition of the luckless College of Saint Benilde Blazers resurrected their playoffs hopes in the preseason tournament for the National Collegiate Athletic Association and University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
The Bulldogs are led by graduating seniors JJ Alejandro and Matt Salem, while the Maroons will be powered by Jun Manzo, Ibrahim Quattara and Kyles Lao.
In another key battle, streaking Ateneo take on University of Perpetual Help (2-3) at 3 p.m.
Ateneo lost its first two matches to University of the East and Lyceum of the Philippines University but rattled consecutive wins over University of Santo Tomas, Letran, De La Salle and Jose Rizal University (JRU) to keep their streak going.
A win by the Blue Eagles will send them to the quarterfinals, while a triumph by the Altas will still give Ateneo one more shot but it has to beat undefeated San Beda (6-0).
Mike Nieto, Thirdy Ravena and Anton Asistio are expected to lead Ateneo anew against Perpetual, which has been struggling since the graduation of Scottie Thompson to the Philippine Basketball Association and the transfer of Bright Akhuetie to UP.
Out to carry the cudgels for the Altas are Gab Daganon, JG Ylagan and Keith Pido.
Emilio Aguinaldo College and Mapua play their swan song at 11:15 a.m., while San Beda looks for its seventh win in the 5 p.m. game against JRU, which at 5-2 has already qualified for the quarterfinals.
In the lone juniors battle, Letran (1-3) faces Lyceum (1-2) at 9:30 a.m.