GAMES TODAY (Filoil Flying V Centre)
2 p.m.—Perpetual Help vs St. Benilde
4 p.m.—EAC vs Arellano U
ARELLANO U seeks to capitalize on San Beda’s slip as it collides with Emilio Aguinaldo College today in the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
With the Red Lions absorbing their second loss of the season to the San Sebastian Stags last Tuesday, the Chiefs can gain a share of top spot with a victory in the 4 p.m. clash with the Generals.
Perpetual Help tries to return to winning ways against struggling St. Benilde in the 2 p.m. match.
Stunned by San Sebastian, 55-71, last Friday, the Altas hope to come out sharper with a lineup led by Bright Akhuetie.
The 6-foot-8 Nigerian was the lone bright spot against the Stags, finishing with 21 points, while the rest of his teammates groped for form as the Altas dropped to solo third with an 8-3 slate.
The Chiefs handily beat the Blazers, 78-69, last Friday after getting another huge game from Jio Jalalon and Dioncee Holts.
“We couldn’t let this chance pass up, we will definitely be going all out for a win,” said Arellano U coach Jerry Codinera, whose team now looms as the heavy favorite to go all the way this season after San Beda lost starting center Donald Tankoua to injury for the rest of the season.
Jajalon has averaged 25 points in the last two games, underlining his tag as the best playmaker in the league.
The Altas are heavily favored against the Blazers, who dropped their first 11 games of the season.
But coach Jimwell Gican believes only a conscious effort on defense will push the Altas past the Blazers.
“We have to return to the basic by playing straight up defense,” said Gican. “Again, we need to emphasize on team play not just in defense but offense as well. We can’t rely on one or two players to carry the team.”