MAPUA TRIES to draw another big game from Filipino-Palestinian Yousef Taha when the Cardinals go for a third win in four outings against Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers in the FilOil-Flying V Hanes Preseason Premier Cup today.
The Cardinals, running fourth in Group B, clash with a JRU side coming off a recent loss at 12:30 p.m. at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.
“I’m very happy with Taha,” Mapua coach Chito Victolero said of the 6-foot-7 slotman, who buried 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the Cardinals’ 80-62 drubbing of the Letran Knights last Friday.
“He can now control his emotions.”
University of the East, toting a 2-3 record, goes for back-to-back victories versus Letran at 4 p.m., right after struggling teams St. Benilde and Emilio Aguinaldo College tangle at 2:15.
Aside from Taha, the Cardinals also drew big numbers from Allan Mangahas, who collected 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and Mark Sarangay, who posted 10 points and seven boards.
Victolero expects the Cardinals to duplicate their intensity against the Knights, where his wards sizzled with a 50 percent shooting clip.
Meanwhile, FilOil-Flying V Sports chair Joey Guillermo said yesterday that tickets to the blockbuster June 4 duel between Ateneo and La Salle are now available at SM Ticket outlets at 470-2222 and at the venue gates.
Tickets to the game featuring the country’s top two collegiate rivals will be sold separately from the 12 noon match between San Beda and University of Santo Tomas.