KINTO Tyres-Perpetual and PGJC-Navy, determined to avoid complacency, shoot for coveted playoffs berth when they take on separate ousted rivals in the penultimate playdate of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila today, Wednesday.
The Altas (3-1) mix it up with the Don Pacundo-DLSU Dasmariñas Patriots (0-4) at 3 p.m., with the former going all-out for the victory in a bid to snatch the second quarterfinals spot from the Army Troopers in their Pool A chase.
The Troopers stunned the erstwhile unbeaten Sta. Elena-National U side the last time out to finish the single round eliminations among six teams in the four-division tournament at 4-1. But a Perpetual victory over DLSU Dasmariñas will give the Altas the second quarterfinals seat due to higher tiebreak points.
The Nationals took the first seat in the knockout quarterfinal round, also with a 4-1 slate.
Perpetual head coach Sammy Acaylar has underscored the need for the Altas to persevere, saying: “They have to be tough whatever happens, kailangan nila buhatin ‘yung kakampi nila.”
Jefferson Marapoc and Louie Ramirez, who combined for 28 points in their sweep over the Ateneo-Fudgee Barr Blue Eagles last Friday, are expected to lead the charge for the Las Piñas-based squad again while Popoy Alabin will try to steer the Patriots to their first victory and spoil the Altas’ bid.
