Bombers, Altas clash in vital match

Jose Rizal U and Perpetual Help try to hang on to the slimmest of hopes in their backdoor bid to crash the Final Four cast as they clash today in the 82nd NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Tied for fifth alongside the San Sebastian Stags with 3-8 (win-loss) slates, the Heavy Bombers and the Altas tangle at 4 p.m. with the winner staying in the hunt for the fourth and last berth although their chance would still depend on the Mapua’s performance in the last three games.

The Cardinals enjoy a two-and-a-half game over the Bombers and the Altas with a 6-5 mark and only a victory in their last three games would formalize their stint in the semis and slam the door shut on either Jose Rizal or Perpetual.

The Stags, on the other hand, face the ousted St. Benilde Blazers at 2 p.m

Already assured of the Final Four berths are defending champion Letran and San Beda, which share the lead with 10-1 marks. The Knights and the Red Lions are two wins away from gaining the twice-to-beat incentives.

The Philippine Christian U Dolphins are lurking behind with an 8-3 card

JRU, Perpetual Help and San Sebastian face a must-win situation to earn at least a playoff berth although they must also hope that Mapua drops its three matches.

Mapua’s remaining games are against the top teams, Letran on Aug. 23, San Beda on Aug. 30 and PCU on Sept. 6.

"Although it’s not in our hands, I’m still optimistic we can make it to the semifinals. But of course, we have to win our remaining games to stay alive," said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia.

JRU is coming off a moral-boosting 65-63 win over PCU last Monday and will face a Perpetual side still reeling from a 57-77 loss to San Beda the other day. The Altas however, nipped the Bombers, 78-77, in their first round meeting.