Mark Omega dropped a double-double performance of 15 points and 11 rebounds to power Perpetual past Emilio Aguinaldo College, 55-54, in the NCAA Season 98 men's basketball tournament Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Despite a low-scoring affair and with both teams struggling from the field, the Altas still prevailed as Rey Barcuma also contributed 10 points and four rebounds.
Ralph Robin's dismal performance proved to be the momentum-changer for Perpetual which took its chances to finish stronger en route to a 4-3 record.
Kriss Kurtiza and JP Maguliano made key baskets down the stretch for the Generals to put the game within one point only, 55-54, which turned out to be the final score of the match.
A frustrated Robin, who shot 1-of-11 from the field, making only a lone three-pointer and a free throw to end up with four points only, missed his shots from the charity stripes with 37.2 seconds left.
He had his second chance at redemption following a miscommunication turnover from Perpetual but Robin also missed a potential go-ahead layup in the dying seconds despite drawing the defense of Omega and Cedrick Abis in the paint.
After further review, 0.9 seconds remained on the clock after JC Luciano forced a foul on Kim Aurin.
But all the Altas needed was to execute the inbound and hold the ball for a short period of time for the win.
Joshua Tolentino was the lone bright spot for the Altas, who fell to a 0-6 hole, after finishing with 15 points, five assists, and three rebounds.
The Scores:
PERPETUAL 55 -- Omega 15, Barcuma 10, Razon 8, Aurin 6, Ferreras 5, Martel 3, Cuevas 3, Roque 2, Nitura 2, Egan 1, Abis 0, Orgo 0, Boral 0, Flores 0.
EAC 54 -- Tolentino 15, Maguliano 7, Luciano 7, Liwag 5, Robin 4, An. Doria 4, Gurtiza 4, Umpad 4, Bajon 4, Cosa 0, Quinal 0, Cabuhat 0.
Quarters: 16-12, 41-28, 47-43, 55-54.