At A Glance
- University of Perpetual Help outlasted Arellano, 72-67, to keep its record unblemished in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, Oct. 11.
Mark Gojo Cruz banners Perpetual anew. (NCAA Media)
University of Perpetual Help outlasted Arellano, 72-67, to keep its record unblemished in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, Oct. 11.
Mark Gojo Cruz spearheaded the assault with 13 points as the Altas extended their winning run to four games in as many outings in Group A.
“Kinailangan namin laruin possession by possession ‘yong laro kasi ‘di namin kailangan sumabay sa kanila sa transition,” said Cruz.
“Focused lang kami. Sabi lang namin sa isa’t isa na magfocus at kung sino ‘yong open titira lang,” he added.
Patrick Sleat and Josiah Alcantara also stepped up for Perpetual with 12 and 11 points, respectively, while pushing Arellano to a 1-2 card.
Earlier, Letran ended an alarming 3-game skid with an 84-80 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College, 84-80.
Determined to turn things around after dropping their first three games, the Knights played with a sense of urgency this time, coming though with clutch baskets each time the Generals threatened to change the complexion of the game.
Deo Cuajao typified Letran’s great resolve to finish with 23 points, while Kevin Santos added 15 points in a performance that drew raves from the Letran community.
In a show of force, two other Letran players scored in double figures with Jonathan Manalili and Aaron Buensalida adding 12 points each with the former completing a double-double with 13 assists.
Nico Quinal and Wilmar Oftana scored 16 points each in the Generals’ loss as they slipped to a 1-2 record.
“Siyempre at the end of the day ‘yong cohesiveness at chemistry will take some time,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo.
“I’m hoping na little by little, magpeak na rin itong team natin,” he added.