Eagles-Archers, Knights-Lions clash in Filoil Cup

The La Salle Green Archers stake their unbeaten run against long-time archnemesis Ateneo Blue Eagles, while NCAA archrivals Letran and San Beda clash for pride in a pair of pre-UAAP and NCAA showdowns in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup today at the San Juan Arena.

The main game of the Sunday five-bill pits UAAP rivals Ateneo and La Salle at 4 p.m.

The Green Archers have dominated the opposition, scoring 95.5 points a game while holding opponents to 81.0 points.

They have also won the rebound battle 49.7-41.7 which they turned into an average 19.5 fastbreak points an outing. Cameroonian center Ben Mbala is the Archers’ main weapon with averages of 23.0 points, 15.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks.

Ateneo has leaned heavily on Thirdy Ravena (11.6 points and 46 rebounds in his last three matches) and will likewise count on CJ Perez, Matt Nieto, Aaron Black, Adrian Wong, Kris Porter and rookie Tyler Tio.

The Letran Knights, struggling with the loss of key players and adjusting to a new coach in Jeff Napa, battle the San Beda Red Lions at 2 p.m.

The Knights (2-3) will play sans Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal, who have completed their playing years.

The Red Lions (3-1) vow to avenge their loss in the last NCAA Finals where Letran spoiled their bid for a six-peat.

In other seniors matches, Emilio Aguinaldo College battles National University at 9:30 a.m., the College of Saint Benilde faces off with Far Eastern University at 11:15 a.m. and Mapua collides with the University of the East at 6 p.m.