MANILA, Philippines — Group C leader Centro Escolar University tries to stretch its unbeaten run to three against University of the Philippines in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Wednesday.
After surprisingly drubbing two NCAA teams, the Scorpions tackle their first UAAP opponent in the Maroons at 4 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
CEU coach Egay Macaraya said the Scorpions, the reigning champion in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu), should be wary of overconfidence in the preseason basketball tournament.
“Most of the time when we have the lead, we become complacent,” said Macaraya. “Hopefully every game we keep our composure and keep calm.”
Emilio Aguinaldo College vies for a second win against General Santos City’s Holy Trinity College in the other Group C match at 2:15 p.m., while the Philippine Under-18 Team and St. Clare fight for their first victory in Group B at 12:30 p.m.
The Scorpions debuted with a 76-67 triumph over EAC, then followed it up with another upset of St. Benilde, 77-68.
Mon Abundo, Rodrigue Ebondo, Joseph Sedurifa and Alfred Batiño will again be at the forefront of the Scorpions’ charge versus the Maroons, who will bank on Mikee Reyes, JR Gallarza, Henry Asilum and Dave Moralde.
The Maroons are coming off their first victory in two outings versus the Blazers, 76-69, where Moralde led with 18 points.
“We’re still shaky, but we’re developing our defense,” said UP coach Rey Madrid.