Scorpions, Stags seek 2nd Filoil wins today

MANILA, Philippines — Centro Escolar University shoots for a second straight victory against St. Benilde Friday in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The CEU Scorpions, the reigning champions in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu), clash with the Blazers at 2:15 p.m.

“Before, when we win just one game, we’re very happy,” said CEU coach Egay Macaraya. “It’s different now. We’ve won a championship. We’re not the same CEU that’s considered as instant losers.”

San Sebastian also guns for back-to-back wins against Emilio Aguinaldo College at 4 p.m. even as Cebu teams University of Visayas and University of San Carlos, both blown out in their first assignments, collide earlier at 12:30.

The Scorpions debuted with a 76-67 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College, banking on a balanced charge led by Alfred Batino, (15 points) and Rod Ebondo (12 points and 11 rebounds).

The Stags also try to follow up on their opening-day triumph over University of the Philippines, 81-78.

“We are a work in progress,” said San Sebastian coach Topex Robinson, noting that the team has six new players.

The UV Green Lancers and the USC Warriors try to shake off the jitters after getting routed by NCAA fives Wednesday.

“We’ll play better next time,” said USC coach Junthy Valenzuela after the Warriors lost to Jose Rizal University, 61-78.

The Lancers, the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. champion, bowed to Perpetual Help, 61-83.