NU Bulldogs eye 3rd Filoil victory vs UP Maroons

MANILA, Philippines — Off to a solid start even minus its star, National University shoots for a third straight victory against University of the Philippines in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Monday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Bulldogs, still adjusting to the departure of two-time UAAP MVP Ray Parks, face the struggling Maroons in Group C action at 4 p.m.

“We’re still a work in progress and we have a lot of new players who are still trying to feel their way in the team,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano.

In other games, Emilio Aguinaldo vies to improve its 2-1 card versus St. Benilde in Group C at 2:15 p.m., while Lyceum also aims for a third win in five starts against the Philippine Under-18 Team in Group B at 12:30 p.m.

The Bulldogs are coming off a 76-61 triumph over San Sebastian where Alfred Aroga (16 points and six rebounds) and Glenn Khobuntin (13 points and nine rebounds) led the NU charge.

Altamirano said he expects players like Khobuntin to step up this season following the departure of Parks, who opted to forgo his final two years of eligibility to train in the US.

“I told Glenn to think about defense, because that’s what he’s good at,” said Altamirano, who commended his forward’s performance against the Stags.

EAC coach Gerry Esplana also expects his Generals to come up with a strong game after their 79-69 win over Holy Trinity College.

Meanwhile, Centro Escolar University’s Rodrigue Ebondo swept the weekly individual awards after powering the Scorpions to a surprise 4-0 start in Group C.

The Cameroonian Ebondo emerged Player of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week and a spot in the Gatorade Best Five.