Altas seek share of 2nd vs Blazers

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help seeks a share of second against a resurgent St. Benilde today even as San Sebastian tries to join Jose Rizal U at fourth against struggling Lyceum in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The Altas hope to ride the momentum of their surprising 80-66 victory over the erstwhile unbeaten Letran Knights last Aug. 15 as they take on the streaking Blazers, looking for their seventh win against two losses for a share of second with the idle San Beda Red Lions.

While Perpetual is coming off a big win, St. Benilde is on a three-game romp after dropping its first five games in close fashions, making their 6 p.m. game a match to watch.

Relying on Juneric Baloria and Nosa Omorogbe’s combined 53-point explosion, the Altas outgunned the Knights.

Letran, however, bounced back to beat San Beda, 74-67, last Saturday to close out its first round elims schedule with a league-best 8-1 slate.

“It’s hard to keep the momentum if you haven’t played a real game the last 10 days,” said Perpetual coach Aric del Rosario.

“But we’re not complaining because we’re here to do our job and train and prepare hard for each and every game we play,” he added.

Perpetual Help will be up against a St. Benilde team that has won three straight games, highlighted by its 84-64 demolition of Mapua last Aug. 17.