Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Perpetual Help shoots for at least a playoff for a Final Four berth as it squares off with an already eliminated San Sebastian Tuesday (September 29) in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at The Arena in San Juan.
The Altas had a chance to put a foot to the next round but lost to the Jose Rizal Bombers in a heartbreaking 60-62 defeat last Friday that kept them sliding to third from a share of first with the San Beda Lions and Letran Knights.
But when the Las Pinas-based dribblers tackle the Stags, who are already out of it with a 5-11 (win-loss) record, at 2 p.m., they are expected to give it all to get that desired win.
“We blew our chance in the last game. Hopefully, this time we can do it,” said Perpetual Help coach Aric del Rosario in Filipino.
Reigning MVP Earl Scottie Thompson is expected to go all out after a lackluster performance last game wherein he was held to just 12 points on a nightmarish four-of-15 shooting clip and came four assists short of another triple-double effort with 11 rebounds and six dimes.
Thompson is having his best statistical season as he registered a league record seven triple-doubles before his forgettable game against Jose Rizal.
“I hope to bounce back,” said Thompson, who was drafted fifth overall by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in this year’s PBA rookie draft.
The Bombers, for their part, are eyeing to barge into the magic four as they tangle with the Lyceum of the Philippines U Pirates, also an eliminated team with a 4-12 slate.
Jose Rizal is currently tied with Mapua and Arellano University at No. 4 on 10-6 marks and a win in their 4 p.m. duel with the Pirates would keep its Final Four hopes alive.
“We consider all our remaining games as do-or-die,” said Jose Rizal coach Vergel Meneses.
