La Salle’s Kean Baclaan (left) and his former NU teammate Steve Nash Enriquez (right). Photo from FilOil Preseason Cup Media Team.MANILA — Kean Baclaan is set to face familiar foes when De La Salle University takes on National University in the 18th FilOil Preseason Cup on Wednesday.
Now representing the Green Archers, the Muntinlupa native has shown a lot of promise in his new start in Taft, displaying improved playmaking to go with his super scoring abilities as he currently averages 16.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in the green side’s 2-0 start in the premier preseason league.
His arrival only reinforces a rebooted La Salle team which has also gotten big boosts from other transferees like Jacob Cortez, Mason Amos, and Luis Pablo, as seen in its 106-99 win over University of the Philippines last May 31.
But he will have to weather the emotions as he faces off against his former peers in NU, all the more with the likes of Steve Nash Enriquez, Jake Figueroa, and Jolo Manansala all motivated to show that the Jhocson side is just fine even after Baclaan’s departure.
The Bulldogs are also riding high after a 72-67 victory over University of the East where they earned their first in three games.
The La Salle-NU match tips off at 4:00 p.m.
On the other hand, Arellano University (3-3) will be gunning for its third straight win at 2 p.m. against Lyceum of the Philippines University (1-4), while Jose Rizal University (2-5) will shoot for back-to-back wins versus San Beda (1-2) at 12:00 p.m.
The Chiefs have gone on a tear in the NCAA Bracket, relying on the leadership of T-Mc Ongotan which enabled them to claim the 73-70 win over the Red Lions two days prior, but Ato Barba and co. want to ruin the parade and lead the Pirates back to the winning column.
Rookies have also balled out for Heavy Bombers coach Nani Epondulan with Sanlea Peñaverde and Harry Herrera stepping up as seen in their 71-64 win over LPU. But San Beda is still a tough cookie to break, all the more with Janti Miller finally showcasing what he’s made of for the Mendiola side.
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