Perpetual opens NCAA campaign against Lyceum; Arellano takes on JRU

NCAA/Jan Dizon

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas will not only be playing their first game of the NCAA season when they take on the Lyceum Pirates in the curtain-raiser, they will also play their first game under new coach Aric Del Rosario.

A former commissioner in the NCAA, Del Rosario took over the coaching chores from interim coach Jimwell Gican weeks after Season 87 ended last year.

Whether the multi-titled tactician can bring his winning ways remains to be seen.

“Basta ang modest target ko muna ngayon ay ma-improve yung standings nila last year,” said Del Rosario. “Kung naka-limang panalo sila, kahit madagdagan lang muna yun.”

Del Rosario will rely on Perpetual’s main man Jett Vidal for scoring while also expecting an impressive debut from Cameroonian center Femi Babayemi.

The Pirates, who are coming off a 70-61 heartbreaker at the hands of St. Benilde, will try to bounce back and get their first win.

In the main game, Jose Rizal University, riding on the momentum of their thrilling 65-64 win over Mapua last Saturday, will try to extend their winning ways when they meet the 0-2 Arellano Chiefs.

The Chiefs of coach Koy Banal, after absorbing back-to-back losses to San Beda and EAC, had two days of preparation for their tough assignment in JRU.

Heavy Bombers coach Vergel Meneses is anticipating a return to playing the brand of basketball that JRU is known for.

“I want them to play aggressive this time,” Meneses said. “That was missing in our last game.”

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