Surging Altas eye 4th straight win vs Bombers

MANILA, Philippines — Perpetual Help guns for a fourth straight victory even as San Sebastian and Arellano U break their tie at third spot in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

One of only two teams still unbeaten this season, the well-rested Altas battle the Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers at 2 p.m.

Armed with similar 3-1 records, the Stags and Chiefs meet in the 4 p.m. game with the winner gaining solo third and possibly moving to second if the Altas lose in the first game.

The Altas are raring to take the floor after their game against St. Benilde was postponed last week due to Typhoon “Glenda.” But they will be facing a JRU squad aching to recover from an overtime loss to Lyceum last Friday.

All eyes will be on Perpetual swingman Earl Thompson, who is looking to continue a string of impressive performances.

Thompson has averaged 20.7 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and nearly a block against only less than two turnovers in his first three games this season.

But Thompson isn’t the only reason why the Altas are enjoying a fine start this season.

Harold Arboleda has been shooting exceptionally well from beyond the arc apart from doing his usual work on the boards while Juneric Baloria and rookie Ric Gallardo have also stepped up.

That makes the challenge of bouncing back even more difficult for coach Vergel Meneses and the Bombers. Except for Philip Paniamogan and Michael Mabulac, the Bombers have struggled to find players who can deliver on offense.