Perpetual Help aims to extend its unbeaten start to three games even as defending UAAP champion National University makes its debut in the Filoil-Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Friday.
Boosted by the return of NCAA Most Valuable Player Scott Thompson, the Altas set out as the heavy picks in the 1:30 p.m. clash with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.
The Bulldogs battle the struggling University of San Jose Recoletos Jaguars at 3:15 p.m. before La Salle battles University of the Philippines at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Thompson missed the Altas’ first two games due to his stint with Sinag Pilipinas in the Seaba Championships. But Perpetual Help has coped well in his absence as Bright Akhuetie, Chris Elorpe and Gab Dagangon have stepped up for coach Aric del Rosario’s squad.
The Generals are coming off a victory over the St. Benilde Blazers after dropping their first game to the Jaguars.
The Bulldogs lost key players from their historic run in the UAAP last season, but holdovers like center Alfred Aroga, guards Gelo Alolino, JJ Alejandro, Pao Javelona, and Rev Diputado, and returning forward Jeff Javillonar are all determined to carry the cudgels.
NU coach Eric Altamirano will also unveil rookies Tzaddy Rangel from Hope Christian High School, Nicko Abatayo from San Beda and Ghanaian reinforcement Issa Diouf.
The Archers demolished the Lyceum Pirates, 90-69, Wednesday to improve to 1-1.