Altas, Chiefs out to rebound vs lowly NCAA foes

Perpetual Help Altas’ Bright Akhuetie looks to impose his will against the Lyceum Pirates. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Perpetual Help and Arellano University seek to get back on track when they square off with teams in the bottom half of the standings Tuesday in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Stunned by the Mapua Cardinals last Thursday, the Altas battle the dangerous Lyceum Pirates at 4 p.m., after the Chiefs, who lost to the Jose Rizal U Bombers in their last outing, clash with the St. Benilde Blazers.

A win by the Altas (7-3) will keep them within striking distance of leaders San Beda and Letran which both hold 9-2 records.

The Chiefs hold a similar 6-4 slate with the Bombers and can move into solo fourth with a victory over the Blazers.

St. Benilde suffered one of its worst losses this season last Friday, a 63-89 humbling to San Beda.

The Chiefs are out to put behind their 112-114 double overtime loss to the Bombers last Thursday.

Arellano immediately put the game under protest citing a call from officials that forced the Chiefs to alter their game plan, but the school withdrew its complaint over the weekend.

Jiovani Jalalon has been on a tear for the Chiefs, firing career-bests of 36 points and 16 assists against JRU.

The Altas actually bungled the chance to claim a share of top spot when they suffered a 65-70 loss to the Cardinals last Thursday.

Perpetual Help coach Aric del Rosario expects his wards to bounce back, particularly guard Scottie Thompson who had a 5-of-18 shooting clip missing all of his seven three point attempts.

“They (players) know the importance of every game in the second round,” said Del Rosario. “The Final Four race is getting tight.”