Stags face lowly Altas; JRU battles Arellano

MANILA, Philippines—A San Sebastian squad still searching for its best form goes up against a Perpetual Help side that can’t seem to get anything going in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament Monday.   The Stags and Altas collide at 4 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan with San Sebastian, its place in the Final Four secure, eyeing win No. 11 in 12 games.   Jose Rizal U tries to recover from its setback to San Sebastian when it tangles with Arellano in the first game at 2 p.m.   While the Bombers look like they’re headed to the Final Four, the Chiefs need to win their remaining five matches, and hope that JRU and Mapua don’t go beyond nine wins, to gain at least a playoff for a semifinal berth.   The Chiefs’ semifinal hopes was dealt a massive blow last Friday when they absorbed a 69-71 loss to the St. Benilde Blazers.   The Stags’ form has been far from impressive in contrast from last season where they rolled to a record 15 straight wins.   Against the Altas, though, the Stags will be playing a team that has shown little fire.   Despite the addition of some transferees from former NCAA member-school Philippine Christian University, the Altas couldn’t get over the hump, losing their first 10 games that led to another early elimination.   But Stags coach Ato Agustin isn’t looking past the Altas, whom they barely defeated, 74-69, in their first round meeting last July 2.   “We can’t underestimate anyone,” said Agustin, noting their poor start that almost did them in against Jose Rizal U last week.   Working behind Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual and Jonathan Semira, who has emerged as a big scoring threat in the second round, the Stags rallied from 13 points down in the final quarter to beat the Bombers, 64-59.   A victory against the Altas will solidify the Stags hold of second spot ahead.