The University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas hope to secure the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Season 100 Juniors Basketball Tournament when they clash against the reigning titlists Letran Squires Monday, March 31, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Sporting a 7-1 card, the Altas would clinch the top seeding in the Final Four if they beat the Squires in their 4 p.m. showdown.
But no matter what the outcome is, the Las Pinas-based school is already assured of a semis berth – their second and third overall since joining the league 40 years ago.
But not the Squires who are carrying a 6-2 mark.
If the Squires lose to the Junior Altas – Mapua, San Sebastian, Emilio Aguinaldo College and La Salle-CSB can make the race more complicated if they also hurdle their last game. The four teams are toting similar 5-3 cards.
If the Squires prevail, they would claim the top seeding with the Junior Altas sliding to No. 2. Still, both will enjoy twice-to-beat advantages against their respective rivals.
Also worth watching is the 8 a.m. showdown between the Red Robins and Staglets and the 12 noon clash between CSB and EAC.
Out to lead Perpetual are Lebron Jhames Daep and Jan Roluna with help likely to come from JD Pagulayan, Icee Callangan, Kelsey Baldoria, Jericho Cristino and Aries Borja.
Bannering Letran is Syrex Silorio, Daniel Padilla, Timothy Cruz, Jhuniel Dela Rama, Daryl Valdeavilla, and Rex Villanueva.
