DESPITE a higher seeding, University of the East and Arellano know how dangerous their opponents can be in the Round of Eight of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup today.
The Warriors, who clinched the No. 1 spot following the unexpected withdrawal of injury-depleted Ateneo, clash with Adamson in the knockout quarterfinals at 4 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Chiefs, a revelation in the tournament, tackle University of Santo Tomas at 2 p.m.
Roi Sumang, Chris Javier and Charles Mammie have led the Warriors’ strong run, which included a 60-53 upset of La Salle in the eliminations.
“These players used to be losers, so even if it’s the preseason, this is important for us,” coach Boycie Zamar said of his Warriors, who finished near the bottom in the last UAAP season.
The Warriors wound up tied with La Salle at 6-2, behind Ateneo’s 7-1 record in Group B.
But the Warriors grabbed the top spot over the Green Archers due to a higher quotient after the Blue Eagles decided to drop out.
“Our other players have been stepping up, so it’s just a matter of consistency,” coach Leo Austria said of his Falcons (5-3).
The Chiefs also struggled at eighth place in last year’s NCAA yet pulled off surprises for a second-best 6-2 slate in Group A.
“We welcome that,” Arellano coach Koy Banal said as the Chiefs earned the favorites’ tag. “It means that we’re gaining respect. It’s good because it will be a morale-booster for us.”
Unbeaten National University (8-0) will see action at 2 p.m. on Wednesday against Letran (4-4), which gained a second lease on life after Ateneo’s pullout. NCAA champion San Beda (6-2) and La Salle (6-2) collide in the last quarterfinal match at 4 p.m. on the same day.