PERPETUAL Help seeks to forge a three-way tie at the top when it collides with Mapua today even as Jose Rizal U and Arellano clash in a duel that could prove crucial in the Final Four race in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
A victory by the Altas in the 4 p.m. duel will boost them to a share of No. 1 with idle San Beda and Letran, which both tote 8-2 records.
Running fourth and fifth in the standings, the Chiefs (6-3) and Heavy Bombers (5-4) take the floor at 2 p.m. with the winner gaining an inside track in the Final Four race.
Arellano finished the first round with an inspiring 88-84 upset of five-time defending champion San Beda.
Chiefs coach Jerry Codiñera has been squeezing out solid games from Dioncee Holts as well as ace guards Jiovani Jalalon and Michael Salado who joined forces in pinning a second loss on the Red Lions.
The Heavy Bombers endured a roller coaster first round that included a 78-61 win over the Chiefs.
The Altas are seeking a repeat of their 92-89 conquest of the Cardinals. Cedelf P. Tupas