Altas, Bombers clash for share of early NCAA lead

RIDING high on impressive victories last week, Perpetual Help and Jose Rizal U shoot for a share of the early lead when they collide today in the NCAA Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.

The Altas and the Bombers, who were involved in a tight contest for the last Final Four slot late last season, take the floor at 6 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan with the winner joining Letran on top.

San Sebastian also guns for a second straight win at 4 p.m. against a Mapua squad that struggled in its first game under coach Atoy Co.

The Knights grabbed the solo lead after a 79-74 trouncing of Emilio Aguinaldo College Saturday night.

The Altas, opened their season with a convincing 69-49 triumph over the Generals. It was a stellar defensive effort that boosted Perpetual Help which held EAC to just 16 points in the first half.

The Altas will be beefed up by the return of center Femi Babayemi who was sidelined by injury in their first game.

But even with Babayemi around, the Altas expect a difficult time against the Bombers, who also proved unrelenting defensively in an 83-72 triumph over the Cardinals last week.

“Our chances will always depend on how we play defense,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses, who unveiled a new gunner in Philip Paniamogan, who shot 24 points including seven triples, against the Cards.

The Stags pulled off a stunning 78-76 victory over pre-tournament pick Arellano Chiefs last week with Jamil Ortuoste turning out to be a welcome surprise for coach Topex Robinson.

The former Staglet, who briefly played for Far Eastern U, struck hardest against Arellano, finishing with 28 points after a 16-point outing against the Knights.