By REYNALD MAGALLON
Mark Gojo Cruz and Patrick Sleat took turns in leading the charge as Perpetual overpowered San Sebastian, 67-54 for a rousing start to the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Friday, Oct. 3.
Sleat, who transferred from FEU to join mentor Olsen Racela, made an immediate impact for the Altas as he starred in a hot 22-12 start before Cruz made sure to shut the door on any potential Stags comeback with his own searing performance in the second half.
The former Tamaraw fired eight of his 10 points in the opening frame to go with five assists and four rebounds while Cruz exploded for 13 of his 15 points in the second half to give Perpetual the perfect start to their campaign after fifth place finish last season.
Still, despite leading by as many as 17 points 58-41, midway through the fourth, the win didn’t come without any scare as the Stags suddenly pulled within eight, 52-60 following a brave 11-2 run.
That, however, proved to be the last stand for San Sebastian as Shawn Orgo also nailed a booming triple with 1:50 left to assure Perpetual the victory that put him at par with Mapua in the Group A standings with similar 1-0 records.
John Abis and JP Boral had 10 apiece for Perpetual while Tristan Felebrico paced San Sebastian with 12.
In the second game, Jose Rizal University fired on all cylinders to stun Letran, 73-69.
JRU led Letran by as much as 16 before the Knights’ 23-point fourth quarter that almost spelled doom for coach Nani Epondulan and company.
Over at the juniors, Perpetual opened their title defense in style after also drubbing San Sebastian, 78-61.
Jim Corpuz had 17 points while Don Rosales and Renzo Zanoria added 13 and 11 points, respectively for the Junior Altas who used a 7-0 spurt to create the separation after only leading by one, 42-41 early in the third.
The scores:
First Game
UPHSD 67 – Cruz 15, Sleat 10, Boral 10, Abis 10, Orgo 8, Tulabut 6, Maglupay 2, Casinillo 2, Nunez 2, Duremdes 2, Alcantara 0, Gelsano 0, Pagulayan 0.
SSC-R 54 – Felebrico 12, Dela Rama 8, Gabat 7, Ricio 7, Are 6, Cuajao 6, Dimaunahan 3, Castor 2, Velasco 2, Nepacena 1, Lumanag 0.
Second Game
JRU 73 – Lozano 17, Salvador 10, Panapanaan 8, Peñaverde 7, Garupil 6, Laurenaria 6, Herrera 6, Benitez 5, Argente 4, Sarmiento 2, Castillo 2, Esguerra 0, Duque 0.
LETRAN 69 – Estrada 14, Manalili 11, Gammad 11, Roque 10, Santos 10, Tapenio 9, Rosilio 2, Omega 2, Yusi 0, Silorio 0, Buensalida 0.
