Perpetual Help and Jose Rizal U try to keep in step with second-running San Sebastian when they battle separate rivals today in the 88th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena.
The Altas (7-3) seek a season sweep of the Letran Knights (5-5) in the 6 p.m. clash that could potentially determine the Final Four fortunes of both teams.
The Bombers (7-3) battle the Mapua Cardinals (4-6) at 4 p.m. in a showdown of teams coming off losses.
Perpetual Help and JRU hope to forge a three-team logjam at second with San Sebastian.
The Altas hope to keep the momentum of their 78-74 win over the St. Benilde Blazers last Monday against the Knights, who have been boosted by the return of center Raymond Almazan.
The 6-foot-7 Almazan played his first game after a seven-match absence, finishing with four points and six boards in a 72-60 victory over Mapua last Thursday.
“Hopefully, it’s the start of something big for us,” said Letran coach Louie Alas. “Raymond gives us additional ceiling and depth in the frontcourt. He can play 18 to 20 minutes and make a lot of impact.”
Almazan’s return to the lineup is just one of the many challenges facing coach Aric del Rosario’s squad, which also has to deal with the resurgent Jam Cortes, who had 19 points and 11 boards against the Cardinals.
The Altas’ 69-66 victory over Letran served as a launching pad for what has been a fine campaign for Perpetual Help this season. The Knights, though, are looking to flip the script.
“It will be a very good matchup because we are trying to bounce back against them,” said Alas. “Our loss against them started our losing streak. Beating them will be a tall order but it can be done.”
Letran gunner Kevin Alas has slowed down after a torrid start, averaging 8.5 points in the last two games, after posting 21 points an outing in his first nine outings
The Bombers are out to rebound from an 82-85 loss to the Arellano Chiefs last Monday. But the Cardinals are also looking to turn their fortunes around after a lethargic showing against the Knights last Thursday.