MANILA, Philippines - After breezing by their respective opponents from the province, National University and De La Salle U brace themselves for tougher rivals in today’s 2011 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) Sweet 16 stepladder at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
The Bulldogs, who tore to shreds University of Northern Philippines of Vigan with only 10 men, 96-51, face off with 87th NCAA semifinalist Jose Rizal at 2 p.m. while the Green Archers, merciless in a 78-55 rout of University of Batangas, runs into 74th UAAP fourth placer University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m.
NU is practically undermanned, with Bobby Ray Parks Jr. committed to Sinag Pilipinas’ quest in the 26th Southeast Asian Games and some D-League mainstays unavailable, and Altamirano said they would need the extra bodies against the fresher Bombers.
“That’s (JRU) a tough team and we’re actually quite a lean team at present. Glenn Khobuntin is actually nursing a hurting back and we’re giving him limited minutes. Nevertheless, we’ll try to give our best on Monday,” said Altamirano, who also missed Joseph Terso, Robby Celiz, Marion Magat and Spencer Eman the last time.
The Sinag delegation is slated to arrive at 1 p.m. and should Parks manage to catch up with the team, Altamirano said they would suit him up right away.
“Hopefully, Bobby Ray can join us. We need at least an extra body,” said the NU mentor, adding that his wards are quite drained from playing three games in a tight schedule.
“After Saturday, we’re playing Monday against a fresh team. That will be their first game whereas we’ve already played three games (dating back to the qualifying stage). We’re trying to save our legs and hopefully, we have some more this Monday,” he said.
Still in the adjusting period under new coach Gee Abanilla, the Green Archers will be put to a test by the Tigers.
“So far, so good, the players are learning the new system. But we got a tough opponent next time in UST; let’s see what happens,” said Abanilla, viewing the match as a barometer of their progress.