MANILA, Philippines--Count the University Perpetual Help Dalta System Altas as another team flaunting a defensive running style in Season 84.

Coach Bai Cristobal doesn't see his small line-up as a drawback in a league stacked with dominant big men.

"We have a quick line-up and we can run," Cristobal said. "Our transition game and our defense are the strongest aspects of our game."

Notwithstanding the impending absence of enforcers Vladimir Joe, Virgilio Manuel and Sang Myeon Lee, Cristobal is upbeat the Altas' frontline anchored by veteran Rommel Balboa can keep up with the best in the league.

"I'm optimistic we can reach the Final Four, even with our line-up," said Cristobal, who is handling a team that wound up 4-8 last season.

The Altas went south to beef up their roster, getting the likes of Rommel Vivero and Roberto Hainga from Negros Occidental.

But Cristobal doesn't see his rookie class making an immediate impact. Instead, he tips Balboa, Michael Kong, Nathaniel Salanga and Ronald Reyes to carry the fight as the Altas attempt to return to the finals for the first time since 2004, when they lost to Philippine Christian University.

Cristobal is also hoping their pre-season performance will belie their upcoming campaign.

"We may have lost many games in the pre-season, but the team effort is already there, especially in our past three tune-up games against UAAP teams," Cristobal added.

The other holdovers in the UPHDS roster are Franz Dysam, John Philip Galabin, Chris Liaz, Andy Mejos, Ronald Reyes, Jeorge Sicat and Raffy Ynion.