La Salle-FEU tussle highlights KO phase

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

LOOKING formidable after an elimination-round sweep, La Salle guns for a Final Four slot like the other traditional powerhouse teams in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Green Archers, banking on the huge performances of Ben Mbala and Jeron Teng to stay unbeaten in seven games, clash with reigning UAAP champion Far Eastern University in the knockout quarterfinal battle at 5 p.m.

“Right from the get-go, we go all out,” said new La Salle coach Aldin Ayo, who just last season steered Letran to the NCAA title as a rookie mentor.

“If [the opponent] counters, we’ll adjust.”

National University, the Group A topnotcher with a 6-1 card, takes on surprise quarterfinalist Adamson at 1:30 p.m.

NCAA heavyweight San Beda clashes with Arellano at 3 p.m.,  while Ateneo and Perpetual Help collide at 11:15 a.m.

FEU coach Nash Racela expects La Salle to come out aggressive against his Tamaraws, who lost their star players to graduation.

“I want my players to feel how it’s like to go up against La Salle this early,” said Racela.

San Beda coach Jamike Jarin also wants his Red Lions, runners-up to the Archers in Group B at 6-1, to be up to the Chiefs’ challenge.

“Arellano is the most explosive team right now because they have the best point guard,” Jarin said of the Chiefs bannered by the do-it-all Jiovani Jalalon. “They’re a veteran team.”