By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of Perpetual Help System Dalta held off Jose Rizal University, 71-65, to return to the win column of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City Saturday afternoon, Oct. 18.
Determined to bounce back from a 63-56 loss to Letran, the Altas came through with clutch baskets during critical stages of the game before holding off JRU’s last-ditch effort to prevail and remain on top of the Group A standings with a 5-1 card.
More than that, Perpetual firmed up its bid for a quarterfinal incentive, while JRU slipped to a 3-3 card for third spot in Group B.
“Coming into the season, alam naman namin na medyo dehado kami when it comes to personnel but I just have to commend my second group,” said Perpetual head coach Olsen Racela.
“I was really on them yesterday in practice. I told them how crucial they’d be for us this season and it really showed in this game,” he added.
Skipper John Abis carried the cudgel for the Altas after listing 17 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while Mark Gojo Cruz and JP Boral backed him up with 11 and nine points, respectively.
Sean Salvador tallied 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Shawn Argente chipped in 14 points which all went for naught.
Perpetual will next face Emilio Aguinaldo College on Wednesday, Oct. 22, while JRU tries to regain its winning ways when it tackles Lyceum on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
The scores:
Perpetual Help 71 – Abis 17, Gojo Cruz 11, Boral 9, Alcantara 8, Casinillo 7, Orgo 5, Sleat 4, Nunez 4, Gelsano 4, Maglupay 2, Pizzaro 0, Tulabut 0.
Jose Rizal 65 – Salvador 18, Argente 14, Penavede 9, Garupil 8, Panapanaan 6, Laurenaria 5, Lozano 3, Benitez 2, Sarmiento 0, Castillo 0, Duque 0.
Quarterscores: 12-18, 32-34, 52-50, 71-65.
