Eagles open Flying V Cup title defense vs Knights

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo kicks off its drive for a second straight championship as it takes on Letran today while San Beda and La Salle tangle in the other featured match at the start of the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Hanes Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Blue Eagles, who beat the Red Lions to win their first-ever Filoil Flying V crown last year, are fancied to contend for another title with a power roster headed by Kiefer Ravena and Greg Slaughter.

“Just like in previous pre-season tournaments, our aim is really to sharpen our players, especially the young ones and the new recruits, and assess our team’s progress as we go along,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

The competing teams are using the two-month long tournament, presented by Bostik Phils. Inc. and held in cooperation with Total Phils. Corp., as part of their respective buildups for the UAAP and NCAA wars.

‘’Of course, we will always play to win every game. There’s a lot of tough competition in this tournament and these teams will certainly provide a lot of challenge for us,” said Black.

The Knights are also raring to prove their worth early, confident of measuring up with the Eagles in their 2 p.m. clash behind streak shooter Kevin Alas and ace playmaker Mark Cruz.

A brief opening ceremony at 1 p.m. will precede the Ateneo-Letran duel with Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Monico Puentevella, Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia, Rep. JV Ejercito and San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez expected to grace the event.

The 4 p.m. match between San Beda and La Salle will also feature the clash of two debuting coaches with Ronnie Magsanoc taking over the Lions’ reins and Gee Abanilla calling the shots for the Taft-based squad in the event backed by major sponsors Kia Motors, BDO, TMS Ship Agencies Inc., Bayo, Molten, Nature’s Spring and Oxycan and minor sponsors Bagoong Club Resto, Union Bank and Bacchus.

The Green Archers, who swept the first two editions of the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season tournament, are out to make an impression while the Red Lions have a lot to prove following the departure of key players Garvo Lanete, Dave Marcelo, Mar Villahermosa, Sudan Daniel and twins Anthony and David Semerad.

National University, considered a darkhorse in the tournament, collides with Jose Rizal University in the 6 p.m. main game.

Tickets for today’s opening games are available via SM Tickets at 470-2222 or at the Filoil Flying V Arena gate.