University of Perpetual Help toppled Lyceum, 73-61, to continue its winning ways in NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the San Juan Arena on Sunday.
Mark Gojo Cruz rose to the occasion, scattering 12 of his 18 points in the second quarter to steer the Altas to their second straight win in as many outings. The versatile sophomore also hauled four rebounds and dished out four assists and four steals.
“Pinrepare ko lang yung sarili ko at yung mind ko na kahit sophomore ako, kailangan ko na mag-lead,” said Gojo Cruz.
“Ang goal ko lang naman talaga ay depensa, pero (ngayon) may bonus pang opensa,” he added.
Jearico Nunez also helped Perpetual with a double-double performance of 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Shawn Orgo and Patrick Sleat combined for 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
John Abis also provided solid defense for the Altas by hauling 10 boards on top of six points.
Lyceum showed signs of life early in the second quarter when it led, 28-23, but Gojo Cruz was there to fuel Perpetual’s resolve as the Altas seized a 46-34 lead at the half.
Not to be outdone, Perpetual provided a suffocating defense in the third, holding Lyceum to just nine points as the Altas kept the game at bay, 59-43, entering the final quarter.
Lyceum attempted some last-ditch effort to turn things around with Jonathan Daileg draining all his nine points in the fourth period, but his efforts came in too late.
Renz Villegas scored 18 points, while Gyle Montaño added 11 points and five boards for the Pirates, who fell to a 0-2 hole.
Daileg, who played for 19 minutes, also collared six rebounds and had three assists and two steals in a losing cause.
Up next for Perpetual is fellow undefeated Mapua for Group A supremacy on Wednesday at the same venue.
The scores
PERPETUAL 73 – Gojo Cruz 18, Nuñez 13, Orgo 9, Sleat 9, Boral 8, Abis 6, Maglupay 4, Tulabut 4, Gelsano 2, Alcantara 0, Casinilio 0, Duremdes 0, Roluna 0.
LYCEUM 61 – Villegas 18, Montaño 11, Daileg 9, Peñafiel 8, Versoza 6, Aurige 4, Gordon 3, Moralejo 2, Barba 0, Aviles 0, Pallingayan 0, Matienzo 0, Casiño 0, Paulo 0.
Quarters: 21-20; 46-34; 59-43; 73-61.
