2-game slump sends Altas in desperation mode to make Final Four

A dejected Scottie Thompson sits by the bench after the Altas’ second-straight setback. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

In a perfect world, Perpetual would’ve locked up a twice-to-beat advantage in the NCAA Final Four by now.

But in reality, the Altas find themselves desperate just to secure a semifinals slot after reeling to their second straight loss Tuesday following a stunning defeat to also-ran San Sebastian.

READ: NCAA: Stags send another Final 4 hopeful reeling, stun Altas

The Altas entered the game against the Stags still favored despite missing two of their serviceable players in Nestor Bantayan and Niko Cabiltes, who served a suspension for their involvement in the parking lot brawl last week.

Perpetual Help head coach Aric del Rosario believes the absence of Bantayan and Cabiltes had the Altas searching for defenders to cover the Stags’ Bradwyn Guinto, who dropped 25 points and 11 rebounds.

READ: Six teams in tight NCAA Final Four race

“I told commissioner that there are teams which are already eliminated but are only looking for a fight, and my team even got involved. My boys are just waiting outside when the EAC players provoke them and it got out of hand,” del Rosario said in Filipino.

“Those two players were a big loss to the team because they’re our defensive players. If Oliveria and Gallardo couldn’t connect, who am I going to use? Sometimes we even use four wing players,” del Rosario added.

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The loss put Perpetual Help in a must-win situation against Letran to guarantee itself a playoff for a Final Four spot.

“Maybe what they want is for us to get through the hard way.”

Despite the slump that the Altas are in, del Rosario is still optimistic with his team’s chances heading into their clash with the Knights on Friday.

READ: Rookies stepping up for Mapua Cardinals in NCAA Final Four drive

“I just told them that as long as we have games left to play, we can’t lose hope,” he said. “If we win over Letran, we will force a tie in fourth because there are also a lot of teams with six losses apiece.”