Perpetual avoiding 0-2 hole

Recovering from an opening-day setback will be the main goal when University of Perpetual Help System Dalta battles Emilio Aguinaldo College in Season 102 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Game time is 3 p.m. with the Altas hoping to bounce back from a 77-84 setback from Letran College during the opening day last Sunday.

In the second game at 5 p.m., powerhouse College of Saint Benilde battles Lyceum of the Philippines University for its second win and a spot at the top of the team standings.

The Blazers opened their campaign with a 77-68 statement win over defending champion San Beda University despite playing without two-time Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag.

Saint Benilde coach Paolo Layug, however, wants his wards to keep improving after showing they can produce even without their 6-foot-6 centerpiece.

“We have other guys who can step in; that’s what we expect,” Layug said after veteran guard Jhomel Ancheta led the Blazers with 19 points.