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PCU Dolphins (1-6)

This team probably has the best chance to recover in the 2nd round, because they haven’t won any game? No. Because there is no way but up? No. Because they have the tools to upset anyone of the current teams in the top 4. Beau Belga, Listian Amparado, Dennis San Pedro, Leimar Navarro and Junar Arce with Tim McCoy and Darryl Santos can form a core of spark plugs with interchangeable parts. The problem with this team is consistency. Some will score in bunches in long stretches, others will disappear and then reappear in some games, they can’t seem to get it together. They have to find their identity. And they better do it quickly to at least stay in contention then let fate decide.

UPHSD Altas (1-6)

After their performance against the Letran Knights, except for that end game fiasco, we were hoping that finally, the Altas has turned the corner. The Altas has a great system but unfortunately, they don’t have that surging talent to execute. Even with Jibbson and Mike Kong, Raffy Ynion, Nathaniel Salanga, Rommel Balboa, Franz Dysam and Ronald Reyes churning the pistons for this team, expect another bust this season for Perpetual Help.

CSB Blazers (3-4)

When Coach Gee Abanilla took over the Blazers, we immediately noticed an attitude revamp. It became clear, even with the blowouts and the boardroom win over top seed, the San Beda Red Lions, they came to play. With their renewed commitment to defense, the Blazers must now find a way to capitalize on the offensive end because at the end of the day, Basketball’s main criteria to win is to score. Veterans Gary Sevilla, team leader Jeff Morial, Angelo Montecastro, Archie David, Aaron Umlas and especially William Johnston must work together to make this happen.

SSC-R Golden Stags (3-4)

John Raymundo, Jim Viray, Jason Ballesteros, Jimbo Aquino, Gilbert Bulawan, Froilan Saquillo, Raymond Maconocido and Franz Delgado. This team has a very good chance of keeping up with the current 4 teams at the top of the standings. They have a legitimate slot man in Ballesteros, a heady shooter in Viray, multiple players in Aquino and Bulawan, a steady back court in Maconocido and Raymundo, what more can you ask from this team. Depth and offensive rebounding for that extra push and second chance points. Saquillo, Delgado and even Dave Najorda has to do more and nothing less to push the Golden Stags in contention.

Mapua Cardinals (4-3)

With Kelvin de la Pena suffering from back spasms after their game against the Heavy Bombers, this will surely hurt their chances to compete and stay in the top 4. De la Pena is the Cardinals’ best player, and surely one of the league’s best. He has to stay healthy if they want a shot at the title. Vastly improved Ian Mazo can take his place but not sure if he’s ready for the limelight. Jonathan Banal, Neil Pascual, Mark Sarangay, Allan Mangahas and sniper TG Guillermo has to find their offensive rhythm and must not be afraid to take those open opportunities to score if they want to stay toe to toe with the league’s best teams.

San Beda Red Lions (5-2)

This team is still, up to this point, in any league, the best pound for pound Collegiate team this season. A lethal backcourt – Borgy Hermida, Pong Escobal and Ogie Menor, an excellent help defender and athletic slotman in Sam Ekwe. The part that is a bit shady in the Red Lions’ arsenal aside from perimeter and free throw shooting, is the Power Forward position. Jay-R Taganas or Chris Taupa and sometimes Jake Pascual has been tasked to take over the spot left by Aljamal, by committee. The Letran Knights and the JRU Heavy Bombers has exploited the Red Lions’ weakness in that department especially in the offensive rebounding category. Expect the Red Lions to roar back, adjust and revive their hunger that made them back to back champs. Talent and Hunger are luxuries that this team can have. All they have to do is turn on that switch and think 3-peat.

JRU Heavy Bombers (5-2)

The Heavy Bombers are in this position because the Red Lions encountered a slight bump on the road with a board room loss, if not, they could have switched positions and they will end up with the 3rd place card going into the 2nd round. The Heavy Bombers has a lost of reasons to rejoice. They are peaking at the right time and slowly but surely finding their identity. Mark Cagoco and James Sena finally realized that they can be one of the best in the league in their respective position. Marvin Hayes, John Wilson, newcomer Nchotu John Njei, Jayson Nocom and Jay-r Bulangis now feel they can make a difference in Ariel Vanguardia’s scheme of things. All they have to do now is prove everybody wrong.

Letran Knights (6-1)

Probably the most underrated defensive team in College Basketball. Coach Louie Alas has done an excellent job preparing and motivating his team for every game. The Letran Knights can score with prolific offensive player RJ Jazul, Dino Daa and Athletic Swingman Rey Guevarra but can defend with 9 others waiting for their turn and show what they can contribute to the team. This basketball club is all about teamwork and it starts on defense. The Knights will turn on the heat on defense from start to finish and they will let you know about it with their hustle and tenacity.

Tags: altas, Blazers, cardinals, Dolphins, Golden-Stags, Heavy-Bombers, JRU, Letran-Knights, mapua, NCAA-Season-84, PCU, Perpetual-Help, Petron, red-lions, San-Beda, San-Sebastian, St.-Benilde

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