La Salle kicks off Filoil bid vs UE

Ben Mbala (23), Jeron Teng and the rest of the Archers on the court plan an offensive play as coach Aldin Ayo (kneeling at right) looks on. “We all have the roles and a game plan to play as a team,” says Mbala. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Defending champion La Salle aims to sustain its champion form when the 11th season of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup kicks off on April 29.

The Green Archers, the reigning titlists in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament, will take on University of the East in the first game of the preseason tournament at 2 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

NCAA champions San Beda will clash with UAAP runners-up Ateneo in the second game at 4 p.m. while a Flying V selection will take on Arellano University in the third game.

La Salle, Ateneo, San Beda and UE lead the Group A teams that also include Jose Rizal University, Letran, Lyceum of the Philippines, University of Perpetual Help and University of Santo Tomas.

Arellano is clustered under Group B with Adamson University, College of St. Benilde, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Far Eastern University, Mapua, National University, San Sebastian College, and University of the Philippines.

The Flying V selection is considered as a guest team with its record not affecting the tournament.

Teams will only play the squads in their group. The top four in each cluster advances to the quarterfinals.