Cardinals look to stop ‘blue train’

Photo by August dela Cruz

MANILA, Philippines – The Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals look to stop the blue train as it takes on Group A powerhouse Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Monday in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Hanes Cup at the Filoil Flying VArena in San Juan.

The Cardinals, who are currently at third place of Group A with a 1-2 slate, look to prevent Ateneo from claiming its fourth straight victory and momentum going into the knockout stages. Both teams clash at noon.

In other games, the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals look to book their second win against a winless Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates at 1:45 p.m. followed by a rejuvenated San Sebastian College-Recoletos Stags taking on the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers at 5:15 p.m.

Cardinals head coach Chito Victolero said that his team’s focus is to stop Ateneo’s main players in Greg Slaughter and Kiefer Ravena.

“Our team follows a defensive system, the players are expected to play tough defense on Ateneo’s main players, we will try to compete in every way we can,” said Victolero.

Slaughter who leads the team in scoring, rebounding and shot blocking with averages of 15.83 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks per game is expected to have draw most of the pounding from the Cardinal defense.

Ravena who averages 10 ppg but is currently shooting a woeful 29.8% from the field and 25% from rainbow country, is still expected to also lead Ateneo in its hunt for a third straight win.