Mapua faces perpetual

THE MAPUA Cardinals continue their chase for the fourth spot in the standings as they take on the Perpetual Help Altas today in the 87th NCAA basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Cardinals will be gunning for win no. 5 that will them half a game behind current fourth place Lyceum of the Philippines (5-5) and keep them on track for a Final Four berth, even as the Altas continues their quest for respectability.

The Altas are coming off a morale-boosting 51-46 victory over the College of St Benilde Blazers on Friday, and an upset win over the Cardinals should give their confidence added boost.

It was the Cardinals’ second straight win, and they are looking for a third straight consecutive win that could make the fight for the no. 4 spot interesting.

Allan Mangahas, who had 23 points and scored the key baskets in the Cardinals’ win against the Blazers, will again lead Mapua’s offensive against the vastly-improved Altas.

The Altas, meanwhile, hope to draw the same intensity they have shown against the Blazers. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio