De La Salle University and Far Eastern University will chase the quarterfinal ticket when they lock horns in the 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Game time is at 4 p.m. with both the Green Archers and the Tamaraws determined to secure the win that will have serious playoff implications in the warmup event for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in September.

Undefeated through three games, La Salle wants to preserve its immaculate slate especially after drawing solid performances from transferees Jacob Cortez, Kean Baclaan, and Mason Amos during its 69-64 win over National University on 25 June.

But it was actually rookie Mikey Cortez who turned the heat, prompting La Salle coach Topex Robinson to hope that they remain on top of the UAAP bracket.

The Tamaraws, however, have proven to be no pushovers and they want to bounce back after a 75-65 loss to University of the Philippines last 12 June.

Expect Jorick Bautista, Janrey Pasaol and Mo Konateh to carry the fight for the Tamaraws as they aim to rise from their 3-1 record.

Adamson and NU, both carrying identical 1-3 records, will also fight for their lives when they play one another at 2 p.m.

The Soaring Falcons are coming off a 71-67 overtime win over University of the East with Matty Erolon emerging as a dependable scorer for coach Nash Racela, while the Bulldogs want a big bounce back with Steve Nash Enriquez carrying the torch.

Emilio Aguinaldo College (6-1) is also jostling for position in the NCAA Bracket when it plays also-ran San Beda (2-4) in the 12 p.m. curtain raiser.