THE PERPETUAL Help Altas gun for the solo lead in the standings when they match wits with the Mapua Cardinals today in the 91st NCAA men’s basketball tournament over at the Arena in San Juan City.
After a shaky debut in their opening game, the Altas finally played true to form in their 77-69 victory over the St. Benilde Blazers.
Bright Akhuetie played like a man amongst boys in that match as he had 44 points and 19 rebounds while reigning league MVP Scottie Thompson had a triple-double of 14 points, 12 boards and 10 assists.
A win today would vault the squad of legendary head coach Aric del Rosario half a game ahead of idle Letran and the five-time defending champions San Beda.
Mapua, though, will not be a pushover, especially after winning its last game, 88-86, over the San Sebastian Stags.
Tasked to stop the huge Akhuetie will be the frontline of Allwell Oraeme and Mark Brana while the perimeter scoring duties will fall squarely on the shoulders of CJ Isit and the returning hotshot, Josan Nimes.
In the first game of today’s twinbill, the Blazers will be taking on the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.