Unbeaten Cards go for win No. 4

Mapua Institute of Technology guns for its fourth straight victory as it clashes with University of Perpetual Help Dalta System at resumption today of the 80th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seniors basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Cardinals take on University of Perpetual Help Dalta System at 2 p.m.

"We expect a tough challenge from Perpetual. But we will try our best to win," said Mapua coach Horacio Lim, who is expected to lean again on four-year veteran Erwin Sta.Maria, sophomores Raymond Tiongco, Jofferson Gonzales and rookie Neil Pascual.

The 6-foot-2 Sta. Maria scored 21 points in leading Mapua to a 76-62 victory over Jose Rizal University last July 2.

But the Altas are also coming off a victory although they needed two extra periods to repulse the San Beda Red Lions, 75-70, last Monday.

"Malaking bagay yung panalo namin sa San Beda dahil sa tumaas yung kumpiyansa ng mga bata. Pero hindi kami dapat maging kampante, kailangan pa rin na maghanda dahil wala pang talo ang Mapua," said Perpetual coach Arturo "Bai" Cristobal.

Dominador Javier, on his third season, had 21 points on top of six rebounds as Perpetual sent the Red Lions reeling to their third straight loss after opening with back-to-back victories.

Sophomore Vladymir Joe had 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while rookie Dean Apor contributed 13 points and seven assists when the Altas nailed their second straight win after dropping their first two games.

Meanwhile, Philippine Christian University shoots for its third win in five games as it takes on Jose Rizal University at 4 p.m.

"Pipilitin namin na makabalik," said coach Loreto Tolentino, whose Dolphins lost to the San Sebastian Stags, 65-74, to drop to a share of third place with their tormentor and the Altas.

The Heavy Bombers, on the other hand, fell to fifth place at 1-3 after losing to defending champion Letran, 45-62.

In the juniors division, Mapua guns for win No. 2 against Perpetual at 11:30 a.m. while PCU, which is tied for third with San Sebastian and La Salle-Greenhills at 2-2, battles Jose Rizal at 6 p.m.