FOR COACH Aric del Rosario and the Perpetual Help Altas, the next two games will determine their Final Four fortunes in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament.
The Altas, fresh off an 89-58 win over the Arellano Chiefs last Thursday, take on the Mapua Cardinals at 4 p.m. today in what Del Rosario described as their most important game of the season yet at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
“A lot of work needs to be done; we still need to win our next two games,” said the veteran mentor who has already steered the 9-5 Altas to a win total four more than last season.
Jose Rizal U tries to bounce back against St. Benilde in the second game at 6 p.m.
The Bombers have dropped to fifth after back-to-back losses, including a 62-69 setback to undermanned Lyceum last Thursday.
The also-ran Blazers can endanger the Bombers’ Final Four hopes with a win today.
The trio of Nate Matute, John Lopez and Byron Villarias will be counted upon by JRU coach Vergel Meneses to end the Bombers’ slide and forge a tie with Letran at fourth spot.
The Altas still have games against Lyceum, defending champion San Beda and San Sebastian remaining in their schedule and Del Rosario feels 11 wins will be enough for them to reach the postseason.