MAPUA, Perpetual Help and Josè Rizal University (JRU) fight for their playoff lives when the elimination round of the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball comes to a close on Friday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
JRU takes on San Sebastian at 12 noon, Mapúa faces Emilio Aguinaldo College at 2 p.m. and Perpetual Help clashes with Letran at 4 p.m.
The triple bill was initially set on October 2, but monsoon rains brought about by tropical storm Kabayan forced the league to reschedule the contests.
The Cardinals and Heavy Bombers will face ousted squads, while the Altas will try to pull the Knights down to a tie for second place in the closest Final Four race since the league expanded to 10 teams in 2010.
At stake for Mapúa, Perpetual Help, and JRU—all tied with identical 11-6 (won-lost) cards—are berths in the playoff matches for the last two spots in the semifinals and the second twice-to-beat edge should the Altas prevail, as well.
Among the possible scenarios that could ensue after the day’s matches would be a five-way tie at 12-6 with the idle Arellano University and Letran, resulting in a step-ladder confrontation among the five teams.
Letran—which lost three of its last four games, including a 73-77 decision to San Beda last Tuesday—will try to avoid complications with a win over Perpetual Help and secure a playoff for the No. 1 seed with the Red Lions.
Should the Cardinals and Heavy Bombers prevail along with the Knights, the Chiefs will settle their tie at 12-6 through a three-team step-ladder knockout for the last two spots in the Final Four.
Another scenario sees Perpetual Help and either Mapúa or JRU winning will result in a four-team step-ladder to resolve the tie and the second twice-to-beat holder.
But if Perpetual Help beats Letran, compounded by upsets by the Stags and the Generals, it would result in a three-way tie for the No. 2 seed in the process.
Standings: San Beda 13-5, Letran 12-5, Arellano 12-6, Perpetual Help 11-6, Mapúa 11-6, JRU 11-6, San Sebastian 6-11, Benilde 5-13, Lyceum 4-14, EAC 2-15.