Pirates eye No. 13, semis berth vs Altas

MANILA, Philippines — Lyceum of the Philippines University seeks to formalize its Final Four entry as it plays struggling University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, shooting for a 13th straight win in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan today.

The Pirates preserved their unbeaten run by rallying from 13 points down in the stretch to repulse the Arellano Chiefs, 94-92, last Friday.

That makes them the solid favorites in their 2 p.m. encounter with the Altas, down at seventh with a 4-7 card and trying to stay in playoff contention.

Aside from seeking their first semis appearance since joining the league six years ago, the Pirates also hope to move a win closer to securing the first of the two twice-to-beat playoff incentives.

Perpetual Help, meanwhile, is one-and-a-half games behind joint fourth placers Emilio Aguinaldo College and Letran in the chase for the last semis seat.

San Sebastian, on the other hand, aims to forge a three-way tie at No. 4 at 6-6 as it tangles lowly College of St. Benilde at 4 p.m.

But the Blazers are coming off an easy 83-55 win over the Altas last Friday for a 3-9 record.