Aric back as Altas face Pirates

Former UAAP champion mentor Aric Del Rosario makes his coaching return after close to a decade when Perpetual Help opens its 88th NCAA campaign against Lyceum at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The 70-year-old Del Rosario, who steered University of Santo Tomas to four straight titles from 1993, will be at the helm of the Altas, who are looking to improve from their ninth-place finish last season.

Gametime is at 4 p.m. with the Altas tangling with a Lyceum squad that faded down the stretch against St. Benilde last Monday.

Jose Rizal U shoots for the solo lead against a battle-weary Arellano Chiefs in the second game at 6 p.m.

The Bombers got their campaign off to a positive start with a narrow 65-64 victory over Mapua on opening day.

The Altas will lean on the backcourt trio of Jett Vidal, Earl Thomson and Chris Elopre, who are among the holdovers from last season.