Perpetual stuns defending champ Letran, seizes solo NCAA lead
At A Glance
- The Junior Altas needed a massive second quarter onslaught that built them enough cushion to weather a furious fight back by the Squires in the final half and snatch the top spot with a 7-1 record.
University of Perpetual Help sustained its fairy tale run as it slew defending champion Letran, 94-88, on Friday, March 1, to seize the solo lead in NCAA Season 99 junior basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Junior Altas needed a massive second quarter onslaught that built them enough cushion to weather a furious fight back by the Squires in the final half and snatch the top spot with a 7-1 record.
Another triumph over a dangerous San Sebastian Sunday would seal UPHSD a place in the top two, if not catapult it straight to the top, and the critical twice-to-beat Final Four incentive that goes with it.
Amiel Acido continued to make a case for the MVP plum as he erupted for 27 points, 17 of which came in the third quarter when the Junior Altas parried repeated rallies by the back-to-back seeking Squires.
The Squires fell to 6-2.
Already, UPHSD, Letran and Mapua (6-1), which was battling SSC-R (5-2) at press time, already booked a ticket each to the Final Four bus after San Beda stumbled to Jose Rizal U, 82-79, in the other game.
The Bombers improved to 3-5 while the Cubs slipped to 4-4.
San Beda, however, still has a chance to make it to the Final Four, albeit slim.
In another result, Emilio Aguinaldo College (3-5) edged Arellano U (1-7), 92-87.