Altas, Chiefs try to bolster semis drive

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help and Arellano U seek crucial victories against a pair of struggling rivals as they step their respective semifinal drives in the 91st NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan today.

Reigning MVP Scottie Thompson vows to bounce back from a so-so performance and a loss the last time out as he tries to lead the Altas against the Lyceum Pirates in their 4 p.m. encounter.

A Perpetual victory will firm up the Altas’ hold of the third spot at 7-4 behind joint leaders San Beda and Letran, which continued to show the way for the 10-team field with 9-2 cards.

Thompson struggled for 15 points on an atrocious five-of-18 shooting as the Altas suffered a 65-70 defeat to the surging Mapua Cardinals last Thursday.

It was, by far, the worst performance of Thompson, drafted by Brgy. Ginebra at No. 5 overall in the recent PBA draft, after dishing out three triple-double efforts in their first nine games.

Bright Akhuetie tried to carry the Altas but the Nigerian’s team-high 18 points proved not enough against a more cohesive Mapua unit.

Perpetual Help coach Aric del Rosario said they could not afford to draw another so-so performance from Thompson.

“He’s the leader of this group and we need him to play strong for us to have a chance,” said Del Rosario.