Games today:
(Paco Arena)
1 p.m. — Saint Benilde vs Santa Rosa
3 p.m. — Perpetual vs DLSU-Dasmariñas
5 p.m. — Navy vs Alpha Omega
Kinto Tyres-Perpetual and PGJC-Navy gun for the coveted playoffs berth as they take on separate ousted rivals today in the penultimate playdate of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference eliminations at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Altas mix it up with the Don Pacundo-DLSU Dasmariñas Patriots (0-4) at 3 p.m. with Perpetual going all-out for the victory in a bid to snatch the second quarterfinal spot from the Army Troopers in their heated Pool A chase.
The Troopers stunned the erstwhile undefeated Sta. Elena-National University 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 win over DLSU Dasmariñas will clinch the Altas the second quarters seat due to a superior tiebreak.
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, they have to lift their teammates.”
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 assault for the Las Piñas-based team again while Popoy Alabin will try to steer the Patriots to their first victory and spoil the Altas’ mission.
The Sealions also tangle with an also-ran opponent in the Alpha Omega Elite Spikers at 5 p.m., aiming to nail their fourth win in five games and tie FEU at the Pool D helm.
