NCAA also-rans collide; Junior Altas eye Final 4
MANILA—Eliminated teams try to close their respective campaigns on a winning note on the penultimate playdate of the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan today.
After missing out on the Final Four for the first time in eight years, Letran (6-9) seeks to end its season with a win over Emilio Aguinaldo College (2-13) at 2 p.m.
“We’re already looking forward to next season, working on areas where we can improve on,” said Letran coach Louie Alas, who suffered his first losing season in 10 years.
Arellano U (6-9) tries to build on its huge upset of defending champion San Sebastian, 64-42, last Friday when it tackles Perpetual Help (1-14) in the second game at 4 p.m.
Like the Knights, who are still reeling from a 76-54 defeat to the San Beda Red Lions last Friday, the Chiefs are also out of the running.
“We’re going all out for a victory,” said Arellano coach Leo Isaac. “Our rule is not to lose to teams below us in the standings.”
The Altas finally nailed their first victory last week with a 69-52 drubbing of the Generals.
Meanwhile, the Perpetual Help Junior Altas gun for their 10th win against Arellano U Baby Chiefs at 12 noon today in the high school basketball tournament at the same venue.
The Junior Altas, in third place with a 9-6 slate, are trying to nail a slot in the Final Four for the first time since 1985, when Perpetual Help joined the league.
Although missing Gelo Alolino, who is playing for the RP Under-18 team in Yemen, the Junior Altas are favored to prevail.
The Letran Squires will tangle with the EAC Brigadiers earlier at 10 a.m.
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