3 teams try to extend Filoil Premier Cup run

Lyceum of the Phl U, Jose Rizal U and Adamson U try to remain unscathed as they take on separate rivals today in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Toting identical 2-0 slates, the Pirates face off with the UE Warriors at 11:15 a.m., the Bombers clash with the Letran Knights at 3:15 p.m. and the Falcons tangle with Mapua Cardinals at 1:30 p.m.

In the only other seniors match, Ben Mbala and La Salle mix it up with winless University of Santo Tomas side at 5 p.m.

The Pirates upended the Ateneo Eagles, 9089, last May 1 then trounced the Letran Knights, 99-90, Wednesday to seize a share of the Group A lead with the Bombers, shocked the Archers, 85-81, then held off the Warriors, 67-62.

The Falcons, on the other hand, bested the Arellano U Chiefs, 61-56, and the San Sebastian Stags, 64-61, to likewise stay undefeated in Group B.

Teytey Teodoro has dished out superb games for JRU, piling up norms of 18.5 points in the first two games.

“He’s been our go-to guy for years and we’re not surprised he’s living up to his role,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses of his prized guard.

CJ Perez, who moved from SSC to Ateneo before transfering to LPU last year, has been leading the way for the Pirates with 14.5 points in their two triumphs, making him a marked man for the UE side riding the crest of a 80-67 win over UST for a 2-1 card.

“As one of the team’s top players, he’s been leading by example,” said LPU coach Topex Robinson of his former ward at SSC.