Cardinals host Altas in NC tour

The NCAA on Tour resumes today with Mapua hosting Perpetual Help in the seniors and juniors divisions of Season 93 of the NCAA basketball tournament in Intramuros.

The Cardinals hope to cash in on the so-called homecourt edge as they seek to join the idle San Beda Lions and Arellano U Chiefs at second with a victory in their 4 p.m. encounter with the embattled Altas at the Mapua gym.

Mapua bounced back from an opening day setback to Arellano U by edging Letran, 78-75, last July 11 to tie San Sebastian, Letran and Emilio Aguinaldo College at fourth.

Andoy Estrella came up big in Mapua’s win with a team-best 18 points, including clutch baskets, and finished with seven rebounds and seven assists.

But expect Perpetual to go all out for a victory as the Altas try to snap an early skid of back-to-back setbacks, including a disputed forfeiture of their game against the St. Benilde Blazers last Tuesday.

The Altas hope to finally find their rhythm with Prince Eze expected to take charge for the Las Piñas-based school following the departure of fellow Nigerian Bright Akhuetie, who has transferred to the UAAP with the University of the Philippines side.

“It’s a long process and we will try to be patient with it and stay positive as much as we can,” said Perpetual Help team spokesman Jimwell Gican.

The Red Robins and the Altalettes collide at 2 p.m.

The NCAA on Tour is part of the league’s effort to bring the games to students and alumni with one seniors and juniors game held Thursday among six member schools.