by Waylon Galvez
Games Today (The Arena, San Juan City)
8 a.m. – EAC vs St. Benilde (Jrs)
10 a.m. – Mapua vs Perpetual (Jrs)
12 n.n. – EAC vs St. Benilde (Srs)
2 p.m. – Mapua vs Perpetual (Srs)
4 p.m. – San Sebastian vs JRU (Srs)
6 p.m. – San Sebastian vs JRU (Jrs)
Expect an action -filled day as six more teams make their season debut led by last year’s semifinalist University of Perpetual Help in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Perpetual Help takes on Mapua at 2 p.m., right after the 12 noon encounter of College of St. Benilde and Emilio Aguinaldo College, while San Sebatian College meets Jose Rizal University at 4 p.m.
Last season, the Altas finished fourth overall with an 11-7 card, but they lost to twice-to-beat and eventual three-time champion San Beda University Red Lions in the Final Four.
Despite losing last year’s MVP Prince Eze to graduation, the Altas of veteran coach Frankie Lim is ready to defy all the odds to make it to the semis for the second straight year.
“It’s sad that we don’t have Prince Eze anymore in our roster,” said Lim. “But it doesn’t mean we’ll not compete. We’ll continue to play with our hearts, we’ll continue to play hard each game.”
“We still have several players who we know have what it takes to lead the team, hopefully be an inspiration to other players – to their teammates – to play hard this season,” added Lim.
The former PBA mentor Lim is referring to point guard Edgar Charcos and center Ben Adamos.
As for Mapua, the Cardinals will now have former player Randy Alcantara calling the shots. He replaced Crispa legend Atoy Co.
