Nestor Bantayan of Perpetual is sandwiched by Jack Arquero and Happi Noube of EAC, at the San Juan arena. INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Its confidence boosted by a pulsating win over one of the teams tipped to contend this season, Perpetual Help shoots for a share of the lead against dangerous Emilio Aguinaldo College today in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Gametime is at 4 p.m. with the Altas gunning for a third straight victory that will tie them with idle San Beda Red Lions at the top.
But the Altas will be facing an EAC team looking to get its campaign back on track after falling short against Arellano last Monday.
San Sebastian squares off with winless St. Benilde in the first game at 2 p.m.
The Golden Stags are seeking to rebound from a narrow loss to the Altas. But it will be easier said than done against the Blazers, who showed plenty of fight in the final period even after trailing by 16 points in the second half in the 61-69 loss to the Jose Rizal U Bombers.
Confidence is high within the Altas’ camp after back-to-back wins to open the season, including an 82-79 cliffhanger over the erstwhile unbeaten San Sebastian Stags last Saturday in a battle of Final Four contenders.
Although lack of depth in the lineup has been a concern for coach Aric del Rosario, the Altas have managed to cope with Harold Arboleda and Juneric Baloria also delivering big games for the Las Piñas-based school.
“If we continue with the same effort that we showed in our first two games, I think we have a good chance against EAC,” said Del Rosario.
“But it would be better if we continue improving.”
One of the reasons for Perpetual Help’s fine start has been the play of swingman Earl Thompson, who has averaged 26.5 points in the first two games of the season.
Against San Sebastian, it was rookie Ric Gallardo who sparkled with a string of defensive gems as well as the cushion baskets in the last 20 seconds.
The Generals almost completed an incredible turnaround from 14 points down in the final period and dropped a 73-80 decision to the Chiefs. Cedelf P. Tupas