Arellano and Perpetual Help try to continue their climb back to the top four as they clash with separate rivals on Tuesday in NCAA Season 93 at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Outlasting third-ranked Jose Rizal University last Thursday, 115-110, in double overtime, the Chiefs hope to inflict more misery on a shorthanded Mapua squad at 2 p.m.
The Altas have a tougher assignment in the San Sebastian Stags, who can claim solo fourth with a victory in the 4 p.m. clash.
“I just hope we stay consistent,” said Arellano coach Jerry Codiñera after the Chiefs pulled the rug from under the Heavy Bombers.
“We have to keep improving if we want to contend for a Final Four spot,” added Codiñera
The Chiefs are pinning their hopes on veterans Kent Salado, Lervin Flores, Allen Enriquez and Zach Nicholls, although Kraniel Victoria and Archie Concepcion have also proven that they can deliver down the stretch.
Mapua lost for the ninth straight time last Friday when the Cardinals dropped a 70-88 decision to the San Beda Red Lions. Leo Gabo, Denniel Aguirre and JP Nieles will be counted upon to turn Mapua’s fortunes around.
The Stags are coming off an 81-69 drubbing of Emilio Aguinaldo College on Friday in a game where Michael Calisaan fired 19 points.
But the Altas are also coming into the game with plenty of confidence, having beaten Letran, 88-82, in overtime also on Friday with Most Valuable Player race leader Prince Eze leading the way with another double-double.