Ateneo-SBC duel kicks off Filoil Cup

MANILA, Philippines - The UAAP’s best and NCAA’s finest clash today in an explosive triplebill that also features a showdown between two fierce high school rivals kicking off the Filoil Flying V Hanes Pre-Season Premier Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Focus will also be on the two teams’ celebrated rookies in the coming UAAP and NCAA seasons, led by Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo, Kevin Ferrer of UST, Baser Amer of San Beda and De La Salle’s Dan Sara.

Aside from the rookies, the Ateneo-San Beda tiff presents an interesting sidelight between the Blue Eagles 6-11 center, Smart-Gilas mainstay Greg Slaughter against the Red Lions’ 6-8 tested Sudan Daniel.

The tournament, with Hanes as title sponsor and Pioneer Mighty Bond Xtreme and Elastoseal as presenters, will be ushered in by a simple opening rites at 1 p.m. highlighted by the traditional parade of teams.

Also on tap is the 4 p.m. encounter between De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas, two teams celebrating milestones of their schools’ history.

The Green Archers are marking La Salle’s centennial year, while the Growling Tigers celebrate UST’s 400th year. The Tigers are also seeing action in the Filoil Flying V tourney for the first time since 2006.

High school rivals the Ateneo Eaglets and the De La Salle-Zobel Junior Archers mix it up at 6 p.m. to cap the league’s explosive opening treat.

The tournament is backed by major sponsors Filoil Flying V, Total Phils, Gerry’s Grill, BDO, Oxycan, Bayo, Molten and corporate backers TMS Ship Agencies, Cobra Energy Drink and San Marino Tuna.

Meanwhile, tickets for the games are available at SM Tickets at 470-2222 or at the Filoil Flying V Arena gates.