Bulldogs try to catch Blue Eagles at helm

MANILA, Philippines - National University goes for its second straight win and an early share of the lead with defending champion Ateneo as it collides with Far Eastern U today in the 2012 Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Hanes Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Bulldogs, who marked their debut with a 99-48 rout of the Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers, face the Tams at 1:45 p.m., raring to prove their worth against the Tams, one of the pre-tournament favorites.

Letran, which dropped a close 55-51 decision to Ateneo in the opening day, and University of the East tangle in the 3:30 p.m. contest in the event presented by Bostik Phils., Inc. in cooperation with Total Phils., Corp. and major sponsors Kia Motors, TMS Shipping Agencies, Inc., BDO, Bayo, Natures’s Spring and Oxycan.

Kevin Alas, slowed down by injury, is expected to log on more minutes to help Letran score its first win with Jam Cortes and Mark Cruz expected to provide added firepower.

Meanwhile, Ateneo and San Beda clash for the solo lead in the main feature at 5:15 p.m. as action resumes tomorrow.

The Blue Eagles scored back-to-back wins over the Knights and the UPHDS Altas while the Red Lions slipped past the De La Salle Green Archers, 69-63, and slammed the University of Sto. Tomas, 70-54, last Wednesday.

The Tamaraws pose a tough challenge for the Bulldogs with their threesome of power guards RR Garcia, a former MVP, Terrence Romeo and Mike Tolomia.

But the Bulldogs are ready and raring to go with hulking Emmanuel Mbe and last year’s MVP Bobby Ray Parks expected to lead the team’s attack.

Mbe finished with a double-double of 22 points and 13 boards, while Parks added 17 markers against the Bombers.

Tickets for the game are available via SM Ticketnet at 470-2222 or at the Filoil Flying V Arena gate.