Letran targets 2nd win vs UP in preseason cage league

Letran College looks to make it two in a row in the Fil-Oil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup as it takes on University of the Philippines Friday at The Arena in San Juan. The Knights face the Fighting Maroons in the second game of a triple-header in the seniors division at 2:15 p.m. The Muralla-based squad looked impressive in their 66-54 debut win over Emilio Aguinaldo College, with Kevin Alas, son of Letran coach Louie Alas, tallying 23 points, including eight of the Knights' last 10 markers in beating the Generals. The Fighting Maroons is one of five squads that still have to play a game in the tournament. In the first seniors game, Mapua takes on fellow NCAA squad College of Saint Benilde at 12:30 p.m. Making his debut for Mapua is six-foot-seven Fil-Palestinian Yousef Taha, who will be joined by Allan Mangahas, Mark Sarangay and Mike Parala in the Cardinals line-up. Jose Rizal University and University of the East collide in the 4 p.m. third game, with new UE coach Jerry Codinera also making his debut in the preseason tournament. Codinera, known for his defensive game and shot-blocking ability with Purefoods in the PBA, believes that they can pull off a respectable finish in the preseason tournament. "I'm really looking forward to our games. I honestly think that we have the material to be a really competitive team this year," Codinera said. With Paul Lee opting to skip his final year with the Warriors, it will be up to Paul Zamar and UAAP Mythical Team member Ken Acibar to lead UE's scoring. JRU, meanwhile, will be without Marvin Hayes and JR Bulagis, who have both graduated, while Cameroonians Nchotu Njei and Joe Etame were suspended after violating team rules. Etame is now reportedly with UP, but he still needs to complete his residency requirements before playing with the Maroons in the UAAP. In the juniors division, Adamson takes on JRU at 9 a.m. while UE battles Perpetual Help at 10:45 a.m. - Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News