University of Perpetual Help hopes to secure the first quarterfinal ticket when it faces the dangerous San Sebastian Golden Stags on Saturday, Nov. 8, in the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Olsen Racela-mentored Altas, who hold an 8-1 win-loss card, battle the Stags at 2:30 p.m. right after the Letran-Jose Rizal University tussle at 11 a.m.
Patrick Sleat, who finished with a game-high 23 points on top of 6 boards, 4 assists and a clear block, and sophomore Mark Derick Gojo Cruz, who had 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and a steal in a classic 88-85 triple-overtime win over San Beda last Oct. 29, are once again expected to lead the team anew.
In their first meeting, the Altas, being managed by Anton Tamayo, scored a convincing 76-54 win.
But Racela and his boys are still not taking the Stags lightly.
“I told them, not to be complacent, let’s stick to our game plan and play a good defenss,” said Racela.
Racela will also rely on John Abis, Shawn Orgo, Jearico Nuñez, John Paul Boral, Josh Alcantara, LA. Casinillo, Allen Maglupay and support from Gelo Gelsano, Emman Pizarro, JM Talabut, JD Pagulayan, Kenji Duremdes and Aries Borja.
Perpetual only needs one win to secure the top spot in Group A and the quarterfinal ticket that goes with it.
to secure the first spot in the quarterfinals, holding the twice-to-beat advantage that will await the winner in the playoff for the 4th spot in Group B starting on November 24.
The top two finishers in Groups A and B after the elims will get twice-to-beat incentives in the quarters.
The best-of-three Final Four will begin on Nov. 30.
