Southwestern U, CEU seek Filoil quarterfinal berths
MANILA, Philippines — Centro Escolar University and Southwestern University hope to keep their improbable run going against two NCAA squads at the start of the quarterfinals of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Monday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The CEU Scorpions, one of two squads who swept their group in the preseason basketball tournament, tackle the Lyceum Pirates in the 4 p.m. knockout match.
“I know there’s pressure because of the standings, but it’s still like a dream come true for us,” coach Egay Macaraya said of his Scorpions, who stunned several favorites like National University and San Sebastian to complete a 6-0 sweep of Group C.
The SWU Cobras, the only provincial squad to advance in the top eight, clash with the Jose Rizal University Bombers at 2 p.m.
Just like the Scorpions, the Cebu-based Cobras topped Group A with a 5-1 card that included upset wins over University of the East and Perpetual Help.
The rest of the quarterfinalists battle on Wednesday. Group B topnotcher Far Eastern University (6-0) tangles with UAAP champion De La Salle (4-2) and NCAA four-time titlist San Beda College (5-1) will collide with National University (5-1).
Tolomia is week’s best Meanwhile, FEU guard Mike Tolomia copped the Best Player of the Week honors after powering the Tamaraws to an elimination sweep with a sizzling 26-point, 10-assist outing in their 89-79 upset of the Red Lions.
Tolomia also earned a spot in the Gatorade Best Five of the Week with CEU’s Samboy de Leon, Perpetual Help’s Juneric Baloria, San Sebastian’s Jan Acebron and Defensive Player of the Week Mark Juruena of University of the Philippines.
