Altas seek top spot vs Bombers

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help takes on another tough rival in Jose Rizal University today, looking for a victory and the solo lead even as San Sebastian sets out against struggling Lyceum in the 88th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Altas are on a surprise roll, winning four of their first five games, including an 84-64 rout of the St. Benilde Blazers last Thursday, to tie the San Beda Lions, the reigning champions, for the lead in the early going of the double-round eliminations.

So impressive were the Las Piñas-based squad’s start that two of its victories came at the expense of Letran and San Beda, two of the league’s fancied teams. “I really didn’t expect to have this strong start because I saw in the Filoil and Fr. Martin Cup that the opposition are strong and they beat us really bad,” said Perpetual coach Aric del Rosario in Filipino. 

The Altas and the Bombers clash at 6 p.m.

“That’s why I said we have to fight and we might get lucky,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Stags, currently at joint third with Jose Rizal with 3-1 slates, try to keep in pace with the leaders as they tangle the Pirates (2-4) at 4 p.m.

Del Rosario said it’s all about inspiration, hard work and discipline.

“They got inspired but I told them don’t let this chance go and just play, work hard and be disciplined,” he said. “But if they will let this opportunity go, all their hard work will go to waste).”

Del Rosario hopes to draw solid games again from sophomore Earl Thompson, who made 16 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and five steals against the Blazers.

But the Digos, Davao del Sur native will have his hands full against JRU’s gunner Nate Matute, who boasts of a 29.3-point norm in the last three games.

The Bombers are also out to bounce back from a 78-101 demolition at the hands of the Stags.