The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas evened their standing in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup with an 82-75 victory over the Batangas-EAC Generals, Thursday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Recovering from his bruised rib injury, Prince Eze was at it again, towering over the competition for the Altas with his 24 points, 15 rebounds, and eight blocks.
Kim Aurin continued his stellar play, this time winding up with 22 markers and seven boards, while playmaker Edgar Charcos pumped 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists for the 2-2 Perpetual.
“Nag-focus lang kami on complete denial sa defense,” said coach Frankie Lim. “We’re very soft sa defense and we allow[ed] the ball to be passed before we start to defend. Kailangan walang bola ang kalaban mo at maganda naman ang naging denial sa game.”
The Altas’ defense was on point once again, limiting the Generals to only 30 shots from their 88 attempts as they slowly pulled away in the game, 38-27, at halftime.
Perpetual were able to establish a 16-point advantage, 70-54, with 6:01 remaining in the game, thanks to an Eze layup, but their 17 turnovers kept Batangas-EAC within striking distance before ending the game with only a seven-point spread.
“I think yung mga small mistakes ang nakakasakit sa amin. Yun ang kailangan naming ma-correct,” said Lim.
Earvin Mendoza fired 17 points and six rebounds for the cellar-dwelling Batangas-EAC (1-5).
The Scores:
UPHSD 82 — Eze 24, Aurin 22, Charcos 16, Peralta 8, Villanueva 6, Coronel 4, Tamayo 2, Mangalino 0, Pido 0, Tiburcio 0.
Batangas-EAC 75 — E. Mendoza 17, Dela Peña 11, Ablaza 10, De Joya 9, Diego 9, Laude 6, Bautista 4, Garcia 3, J. Mendoza 2, Neri 2, Tampoc 2, Maguliano 0.
Quarterscores: 18-13, 38-27, 60-49, 82-75.
