Perpetual tests resolve of Mapua

HOST University of Perpetual Help is long out of the running for a semifinals slot but give the Altas credit for trying their damn best.

The Altas scored a morale-boosting 51-46 win over College of St. Benilde last Friday and the win, although just their second in 11 outings, is expected to serve them in good stead when they battle Mapua today in the resumption of the 87th NCAA Seniors basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The match is set at 4 p.m., with the Cardinals, in contention for a semis slot with a 4-6 record, expected to have their hands full against the Altas, who are out to play the spoiler’s role.

Arellano University and Emilio Aguinaldo College, tied at 3-7 with idle Jose Rizal University, tangle in the other seniors match at 11:45 a.m.

A win by the Cardinals should keep them a half-game behind solo fourth placer Lyceum (5-5) and boost their semifinal prospects.

"Sinabihan ko ang mga players na we cannot afford to relax. Even though we led by nine points in the last minute, hindi kami puwedeng ganun kasi parang nawala ‘yung killer instinct namin," said Mapua coach Chito Victolero, referring to the team’s latest win, a close 94-90 overtime decision over CSB last Aug. 24.

Allan Mangahas, who had 23 points and scored the key baskets against the Blazers, will again lead Mapua’s attack against the vastly-improved Altas.

Victolero can also bank on the well-traveled Fil-Am Josan Nimes, who had a breakout game with 25 points the last time around.

Perpetual is expected to play with a nothing-to-lose attitude, with the trio of Jet Vidal (12.1 points), Justine Alano (8.1 points) and Anthony Paulino (7.5 points) showing the way for coach Jimwel Gican.

"Kahit sino ang kalaban, kahit sino ang nandiyan, lalaruin natin," Gican said. "Puso ang ini-emphasize ko sa mga bata."