Gilas cadets try to bounce back vs Archers

MANILA, Philippines — The Gilas Cadets hope to redeem themselves from a losing debut in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup as they face the La Salle Green Archers at resumption of action today at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

The cadets, led by Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero, suffered a 69-75 beating from the Ateneo Eagles in last Saturday’s inaugural but vowed to bounce back in their 6:30 p.m. duel with the Loyola-based squad.

But they will be facing a rebuilding La Salle side bannered by Justine Baltazar and rookies Taane Samuel and Brandon Bates, who combined for 37 points and 16 rebounds in their 82-79 victory over the UP Maroons.

“You cannot really take away too much because we had an incomplete team while some played two matches that day,” said Gilas Cadets coach Jong Uichico. “Again, give credit to the college teams because they will not give anything to the cadets. This is the type of atmosphere and the quality of the games we want as part of our international preparations.”

Focus will be on Rivero, who played for La Salle for two seasons and helped them to the UAAP Season 79 men’s title, but left the Taft Avenue-based school during the off-season.

The high-leaping Rivero is either headed for National University where his father Paolo has been spotted working with Bullpups head coach Goldwyn Monteverde, or UST where his former coach, Aldin Ayo, now holds court.

Ricci’s older brother, Prince, has also left the Green Archers but is included in the Gilas Cadets’ roster.

Ateneo and San Beda University, meanwhile, clash at 4:30 p.m. with both teams eyeing win No. 2 after the Red Lions defeated National U Bulldogs, 71-61, last Sunday.

In other matches, Lyceum of the Philippines University and Jose Rizal University tangle at 12:30 p.m. while San Sebastian College-Recoletos takes on Arellano University at 2:30 p.m.

The Ateneo-San Beda and Gilas-La Salle matches will be aired over ESPN5. Tickets to the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup are available at the gate.