Filoil caging: Altas seek No. 4 vs Cobras

MANILA, Philippines — Surprise Group A leader Perpetual Help guns for a fourth straight victory against Cebu powerhouse Southwestern University Friday in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Altas are actually facing a third team from Cebu in the Cobras at 2:15 p.m. after sweeping past University of Visayas, 83-61, and University of San Carlos, 71-61, in their first two games.

“We have better teamwork and better ball movement. Everyone wants to win,” said Justine Alano, a key player for the Altas, who proved they can also handle a UAAP squad by upsetting University of the East, 83-78, last Monday.

Letran and Mapua, both winless in two outings, vie to get into the win column in Group B at 4 p.m., while National University and Holy Trinity College of General Santos City open their bids in Group C at 12:30 p.m.

Although the Altas have been drawing big numbers from Alano, Juneric Baloria, Harold Arboleda and Earl Thompson, coach Aric del Rosario expects a more balanced scoring charge from his bench.

“Our bench players also need to make their presence felt,” said Del Rosario.

The Altas face the SWU Cobras, who got their campaign going by stunning Jose Rizal U, 72-68, last Wednesday.

“If we win, it’s not by accident,” said Ladry Sanjo, the African center who topscored with 22 in the Cobras’ debut win. “The team has been working hard.”

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, start their summer bid minus two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Ray Parks, who opted to forgo his final year of eligibility.