Key games pit Altas vs Cards, Blazers vs Knights

MANILA, Philippines — A couple of marquee match-ups pitting University of Perpetual Help with Mapua and College of St. Benilde with Letran at the Filoil EcoOil Arena today should shape the NCAA Season 101 landscape as the quarterfinal phase draws near.

The Altas, who at 8-2 are ensured of a twice-to-beat edge in the quarters, shoot for the No. 1 seed in Group A while the Cardinals, the reigning champions who have been struggling all-season with a 5-5 card, try to play the spoiler’s role in the  2:30 p.m. tiff.

The Blazers and the Knights, for their part, face off at 12 noon, disputing an outright quarters incentive in Group B of this tournament under a new format.

CSB and Letran both possess 6-4 cards,  a game behind San Beda’s 7-3 slate and a mere half game ahead of a dangerously close Jose Rizal U (6-5).

It means, any outcome could make or break their respective bids.

“It’s a big game for us, season on the line,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu.