J-Jay Alejandro dropped 23 points as the Go for Gold Scratchers halted their two-game losing slide to come away with the 81-69 triumph against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas, Tuesday afternoon at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
The shifty guard out of National University powered the Scratchers in the payoff period, scoring nine markers in the frame to kickstart the 10-2 finishing kick and establish the decisive 69-57 lead to seal the game shut.
Alejandro also got five rebounds and four assists to help the Scratchers level their standing at 2-2.
“I think we’re slowly getting the team that we want a bit, but there’s still some room for improvement because we turn the ball over too much,” said coach Charles Tiu, who was dismayed with Go for Gold’s carelessness with the rock after committing 30 turnovers.
That negligence with the leather kept the Altas in the game, as the Scratchers lost grip on a 59-47 lead in the third quarter and saw it cut to as low as four, 59-55, entering the fourth frame.
Senegalese center Clement Leutcheu added 14 markers and eight boards, while Jerwin Gaco and Justin Gutang got 11 points apiece for Go for Gold.
Rey Anthony Peralta paced Perpetual (1-2) with 18 points and two rebounds, while Kim Aurin had 17 markers and four boards.
The Scores:
Go for Gold 81 — Alejandro 23, Leutcheu 14, Gaco 11, Gutang 11, Dixon 8, Haruna 8, Casiño 3, Domingo 3, Naboa 0, Pasturan 0, Pili 0, Salem 0, Young 0.
UPHSD 69 — Peralta 18, Aurin 17, Coronel 8, Charcos 7, Eze 6, Mangalino 5, Antonio 4, Villanueva 4, Tamayo 0, Tiburcio 0.
Quarterscores: 23-19, 42-37, 59-55, 81-69.
