Early finals rematch between La Salle, UP highlights FilOil opening day fixtures

La Salle and UP face off right on Day 1 of the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup. Dennis Acosta (file photo)
By Dugout Philippines

MANILA--Five months since they fought for the UAAP Season 86 crown, La Salle and University of the Philippines meet again, this time as they kickstart their campaigns at the 17th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

The Green Archers and the Fighting Maroons will be the main event of a packed five-game opener this May 11 at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan as they begin their preparations for the upcoming season.

It’s going to be a spicy encounter between the two teams at 5 p.m., one with La Salle looking to solidify its claim as the favorites with UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao still in tow, while UP is determined to get some steam back behind Francis Lopez.

But it’s not the only heavyweight collision in tow come opening day, with San Beda and Letran renewing their rivalry at 3 p.m.

The Red Lions are coming in with confidence at an all-time high, especially with Finals MVP James Payosing delivering them the NCAA Season 99 title.

But the Knights are raring to get back to their old deadly form, this time with new coach Allen Ricardo calling the shots.

Mapua and LPU open the curtains at 9 a.m. on the opening day of the premier preseason league, followed by the clash of Jose Rizal University and Perpetual at 11 a.m., and the face-off between Adamson and University of the East at 1 p.m.

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