by Ernest Hernandez
University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA and Arellano scored victories at the start of the Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League at the San Beda University Gymnasium on Tuesday.
The Altas pulled an early stunner by beating the San Beda Red Lions, 60-52, while the Chiefs rallied back to beat the Letran Knights, 69-62.
Perpetual looked to silence San Beda, the defending champion of the tournament, at the latter's home after opening a 49-39 lead in the fourth quarter.
The Red Lions tried to inch closer as an Arnaud Noah-led rally drew them to within seven, 45-52, but Edgar Charcos scored a dagger teardrop while Luke Sese added two free throws to seal the Altas' shocker.
Sese finished with 15 points, while Tonton Peralta added 11 for Perpetual.
In the other seniors game, Arellano went on a 6-0 run to turn a 54-55 deficit to a 60-55 cushion.
John Templonuevo then kept Letran at bay with a dagger even as his teammates pulled off defensive gems to further add to the late damage.
Templonuevo made 16 markers for the Chiefs, who are looking to make a return to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Final Four after missing it last season.
In the lone high school match-up for the day, Letran romped St. Patrick, 95-51, behind the former's second quarter breakaway.
Charles Saure scored 19 points, while Ralph Yanes put up 15 of his own for the Squires.