Altas, Knights collide, eye solo NCAA lead

PERPETUAL Help will rely on the talented reigning MVP Earl Scottie Thompson against a scrappy Letran squad. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Perpetual Help and Letran, the unbeaten co-leaders, collide for the solo lead Thursday in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Game time is at 4 p.m. with both squads aiming to sustain their strong showing after rolling to four straight wins each to start the season.

Defending champion San Beda shoots for back-to-back wins as it faces St. Benilde at 2 p.m.

The Red Lions crushed the Lyceum Pirates, 97-73, to improve to 3-1 last Tuesday.

Another win over the Blazers (1-3) would catapult the Lions to a share of second with the loser of the Perpetual-Letran showdown.

The Knights put together scintillating defensive displays in their first three wins. Pushed to the limit by San Sebastian last Tuesday, the Knights stayed composed with Mark Cruz and Rey Nambatac drilling the big shots in an 82-76 win.

But the Altas also have a formidable crew led by reigning Most Valuable Player Earl Scottie Thompson, who has been getting plenty of support from Nigerian center Bright Akhuetie.

Thompson is coming off back-to-back triple double performances, but the Altas expect a more difficult outing against Letran after wins over San Sebastian and Emilio Aguinaldo Colege.

“It’s going to be a very physical game and we have to prepare for that,” said Thompson.

Letran forced 43 turnovers on San Sebastian with its disruptive full-court press and Altas coach Aric del Rosario said limiting errors will be key.

“If we could beat their press, we have a chance,” said Del Rosario in Filipino.

Slowing Thompson and Akhuetie will be crucial for the Knights as the Altas run their offense on the two players.

“We look forward to the challenge,” said Letran coach Aldin Ayo.