Red-hot San Sebastian College tries to extend its winning streak while surprise squad Perpetual Help Dalta System guns for another victory when they tackle separate foes today in the 88th NCAA men's basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Holding a league-best six-game winning run, the Stags face Mapua at 6 p.m. while the Altas, who are flourishing under the system of legendary mentor Aric del Rosario, battle Arellano University in the opening encounter at 2 p.m.
With Del Rosario — architect of University of Santo Tomas' numerous title runs in the 1990s — at the helm, the Altas developed into a well-rounded squad, knotting themselves with Jose Rizal University at second spot with a 6-2 win-loss mark, merely half-a-game behind pacesetters San Sebastian and San Beda College with 6-1.
In fact, in their previous win over Emilio Aguinaldo College, the basketball brilliance of the seasoned mentor was pretty obvious as he engineered a furious rally in the final 90 seconds to help the Altas escape a dramatic 72-71 victory, formally surpassing their total number of wins last year with just eight games into the season.
Against the Chiefs, however, Del Rosario believes it wouldn't be a cakewalk.
"Arellano is a very disciplined and dangerous team," he said. "But I already prepared them for situations like this. The boys know what to do. We just have to stick to our game plan, execute and play relentless on both ends of the floor."
Tasked to carry the cudgels for Del Rosario are Chris Elopre, Earl Thomson and cold-blooded gunner Jett Vidal, who knocked down three triples, including the game-winning basket in their previous game against the Generals.
Meanwhile, the Stags are on a roll as they won their last six games after yielding a 74-80 decision to Letran College on opening day.
PBA-bound Calvin Abueva will again serve as the cornerstone of the team while Ronald Pascual and Ian Sanggalang are expected to provide valuable support to the Stags against the Cardinals,  led by Gabriel Banal, Josan Nimes and Michael Parala, who combined for 28 points in their 52-64 setback to San Beda last week.