University of Perpetual Help System Dalta just couldn’t seem to catch a break in Season 101 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 men’s basketball tournament.

The Altas has had trouble clinching the top spot in Group A after three straight losses.

Their latest setback was a painful 69-70 loss to Arellano University last Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Altas guard Patrick Sleat said they need to talk it out and regroup as they have a long break before their final game of the elimination round.

Perpetual will be facing Lyceum of the Philippines University on 23 November at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

“We need to regroup mentally. We need to listen to each other and how we got the eight wins so it's more of a team concept,” said Sleat, who was limited to just eight points against the Chiefs.

“I think we have to play through each other's strengths so we can get back to the way we were,”

Altas assistant coach Joph Cleopas said as he told DAILY TRIBUNE they need to stay composed if they want to clinch the top spot.

“Going to that game, we must win over ourselves. It's a challenge for us because we're on top and everyone's looking at us,” said Cleopas, who led Perpetual to its first-ever NCAA juniors basketball title in Season 100.

“We need to overcome ourselves going to the next game so we can get the number one spot.”

With an 8-4 win-loss record, the Altas already qualified for the quarterfinals and are armed with a twice-to-beat advantage.

Getting the top spot will have Perpetual face the winner of the play-in in Group B instead of the third-seeded squad.

It will also be the first time the Altas topped the standings since 2004 when they also last made it to the NCAA finals.