Filoil-Flying V: UP tackles CEU

University of the Philippines seeks to sustain its strong pre-season form when it meets Centro Escolar U Friday even as University of the East guns for a second straight win in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.

Fresh off a 67-63 conquest of Mapua last Monday, the Fighting Maroons face a stern test in the Scorpions, who finished third in the tournament last year, in their 3:15 p.m. duel.

The Warriors, opening-day winners over the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, square off with Lyceum at 5 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan. Emilio Aguinaldo College makes its debut when it tackles winless University of San Jose-Recoletos at 1:30 p.m.

Boosted by veterans and blue-chip recruits, the UP impressed in the win over Mapua.

But coach Joe Ward expects a tougher climb ahead in the tournament.

“This isn’t going to be handed to us on a silver platter,” said Ward. “We have to earn it.” Cedelf P. Tupas