THE ROAD is not getting easier for the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars as they tangle with the reigning UAAP champions National University (NU) Bulldogs today in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup over at the Arena in San Juan City.
The Jaguars got spanked by the St. Benilde Blazers in their last game, 81-93, their fourth loss in five outings.
And there appears to be no reprieve for the weary as they face a Bulldogs squad that is steadily ramping up their preparations for their title defense in the UAAP later this year.
Although they lost some key cogs in their championship-winning machine in big men Troy Rosario and Glenn Khobuntin, NU still has a formidable arsenal led by Alfred Aroga, Gelo Alolino and Kyle Neypes along with former Sacred Heart
School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) stalwarts Adven Jess Diputado and Rendell Senining, who ironically last played for the Jaguars in 2013.
USJ-R hopes to put a better fight today behind the improved play of wingmen Fletcher Galvez as well as Cesafi Mythical Five member Kevin Villafranca. The aforementioned trio combined for 47 of the team’s 81 points last time out.