BOASTING a perfect record, defending champion National University hopes to cap another remarkable run with a title when the Bulldogs tangle with the much-improved University of the East Warriors today in the finals of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Bulldogs and Warriors take the floor at 4 p.m., shortly after University of Santo Tomas and San Beda dispute third place.
National U has been on a tear in the tounament since last year’s edition, winning 21 straight games including a 74-57 rout of San Beda in the semifinals.
“We’re very thankful and very excited that we’re able to get back into the Finals,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano, whose squad managed to squeeze in matches in Australia in the middle of its Filoil campaign.
“We don’t want to forget that this is still the preseason and we’re using this to improve every aspect of our game.”
The Warriors have blown hot and cold in the group stage of the tournament. But they have been superb in the playoffs and the 77-75 comeback win over the Tigers in the Final Four proved to be a warning to the rest of the UAAP.
“It’s an achievement to be here in the finals considering we finished seventh in the (last) UAAP,” said UE coach Boycie Zamar.
The Warriors did not play against the Bulldogs in the elimination round as they campaigned in a different group.
Ray Parks provides the firepower for NU, which also boast a fearsome frontcourt that includes Emmanuel Mbe and Alfred Aroga.
Altamirano is relishing the challenge of preserving their perfect record against UE.
“UE is a veteran team; they’re an experienced team,” said Altamirano.