University of Perpetual Help hopes to secure quarterfinal bonus when it battles reigning titlist Mapua in the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Friday, Nov. 14, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Altas are determined to erase the memory of a shocking 61-62 loss to the San Sebastian Stags last week in their 2:30 p.m. Group A showdown with the Cardinals in order to boost their bid for a top spot.
While the Olsen Racela-mentored crew is already assured of a slot in the quarters, it still need to beat the Cardinals to secure a Top 2 finish after the elims.
The Top 2 finishers in each group will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.
The Cardinals are toting an even 5-5 card, just slightly ahead of Arellano University (4-6) while SSC and Lyceum have 3-8 and 2-8 marks.
Expected to lead the Altas are Patrick Sleat, Shawn Orgo, John Abis, Jearico Nuñez, Josh Alcantara, Allen Maglupay and support from Gelo Gelsano, Emman Pizarro, JM Talabut, JD Pagulayan, Kenji Duremdes and Aries Borja.
A tight and rugged game is expected since the Cardinals are out to get even after absorbing a 65-75 loss the first time they clashed this season.
Clashing at 12 noon are College of St. Benilde and Letran in a game anticipated to be equally tense and bruising since both teams are holding similar 6-4 cards.
Multi-titled San Beda leads the group with a 7-3 mark while Jose Rizal University is breathing down their necks with a 6-5 record.
With a 4-6 mark, Emilio Aguinaldo College is still contention for a quarterfinal berth but need to win its remaining three games if it is to gain a quarterfinal bonus.
