Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup Morning Rundown: It's back to school for the UAAP and the NCAA

Ah, the first day of school. It's quite the mixed bag.

For one, there's that feeling of excitement. After either slacking off on your own or with some friends, you're exposed to the community that you were with before summer. It's a welcome sight. New year, new start right?

Then, after the adrenaline of the excitement passes by, the creeping feeling of nervousness starts to creep in. It's a new year. IT'S A NEW YEAR. Fresh start. Which also means there's always that risk of this new year turning into trash for you.

Before the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup games began, that swirl of excitement around the air was evident. Players were smiling, interacting with some of the rivals who they're set to compete with during the regular season. But then, when the games began, those smiles turned into growls or frowns.

For JRU, Lyceum and Adamson, that good start teams aim for to start the college season was achieved. For La Salle, Ateneo and Arellano, all finalists in their respective home leagues the season previous, it was a rough start to a new year.

Welcome to a new collegiate basketball season. Buckle up and enjoy the ride. It's going to be wild and bumpy. We're just getting started.

Opening Day Scores

JRU Heavy Bombers def. DLSU Green Archers 85-81

Lyceum Pirates def. Ateneo Blue Eagles 90-89

Adamson Falcons def. Arellano Chiefs 61-56

The Rundown

1. The JRU Heavy Bombers managed to win their first game. Hooray!

2. But #1 wasn't the main storyline for day one. It was La Salle losing their very first game for the Filoil tournament. Do note: They NEVER lost in last year's Filoil tourney. I guess going back to back won't be as easy as people make it to be huh?

3. Ben Mbala had a great game (22-16-2), but he needs some help in the offensive end. Aljun Melecio had 11 points, but at this point, he isn't built to be the second main scorer beside Big Ben. That's going to be the story to follow regarding La Salle this preseason.

4. CJ Perez managed to have his revenge game against Ateneo (13-6-3-3), but Lyceum managed to have six guys score in double digits. That's pretty impressive.

5. Ateneo still doesn't have a go-to-guy. Mike Nieto led in scoring with 17 points, but he isn't exactly someone you'd give the ball to in the clutch.

6. Jerie Pingoy came up in the clutch. He's out to shut people up in his second (AND FINAL) year in the UAAP Seniors Division.

7. Arellano's going to miss Jio Jalalon. If that wasn't obvious enough. Kent Salado is good, but Jalalon is a completely different monster.

For photos on day one, check them out here!

Comments

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