FAR Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas seek breakthrough wins when they clash against separate rivals today in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Preseason Cup.
The Tamaraws, stung by a heavy defeat to National U, go up against Lyceum at 3:30 p.m. after the Tigers tangle with the Perpetual Help Altas at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Mapua makes its tournament debut at 5:15 p.m. against a University of the East team looking to bounce back from a loss to Letran last Friday in the tournament presented by Super Vulcaseal and Bostick Phils.
The Cardinals will parade a formidable roster led by high-scoring swingman Josan Nimes and big men Mark Sarangay and Mike Parala. The Warriors hope to barge into the win with a squad led by veterans Lord Casajeros and Roy Sumang, who led UE with 12 points in the loss against Letran last Friday.
Both the Tamaraws and the Pirates are coming off losses, but FEU, which finished second to Ateneo in the last two years in the UAAP, remains favored with its powerful roster.
Former UAAP Most Valuable Player RR Garcia hopes to bounce back from a poor performance against the Bulldogs, where he was held to just 3-of-14 shooting. The Tamaraws are looking to draw better performances from Terrence Romeo and Mike Tolomia.
The Tigers lost to San Beda in their tournament debut. Although Perpetual Help is considered a lightweight in the NCAA, the Altas came out with plenty of fight before dropping a 60-62 decision to Ateneo last Wednesday.
Ace shooter Jet Vidal and Nigerian banger Femi Babayemi are expected to lead the Altas, whose fourth-quarter uprising fell short against the Eagles.