Manila, Philippines - Jose Rizal University (JRU) shoots for its third straight victory against slumping University of the Philippines (UP) today in the 2011 Filoil Flying V Hanes Pre-season Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan.
With the Bombers adjusting to coach Vergel Meneses’ system, JRU racked up back-to-back victories over Letran (70-65) and College of St. Benilde (101-96 in OT) after dropping their opening assignment (78-79 to University of the East).
‘’Nagsisimula na maglaro nang maayos yung mga bata. Sana mag-tuloy lang kami kasi nakukuha na namin yung laro namin (The boys are starting to absorb our system and play accordingly), said Meneses, whose Bombers fought back from 14 points down to beat the Blazers in extra period last Monday.
Though enjoying a streak and facing a Fighting Maroons team (1-2) that had lost its last two games (76-80 to Far Eastern U in OT and 57-65 to Adamson), Meneses cautioned the Bombers from thinking of an easy outing in their 4 p.m. encounter.
“Hindi kami pwede mag-relax against UP kasi lumakas sila (UP has improved so we can’t afford to relax against them),’’ said Meneses.
Meanwhile, four struggling squad try to bounce back into contention in the other games.
Letran, which shocked defending champion San Sebastian in its first outing but stumbled in its next three, takes on winless St. Benilde (0-2) at 12:30 p.m. while Lyceum (0-3) and Arellano (0-4) seek to get on the win column at each other’s expense at 2:15 p.m.