Prinze Eze, Perpetual limit Mila’s to 48 points en route to first win

The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas shut down the undermanned Mila’s Lechon Mighty Roasters to nab the 65-48 victory for their first win, Tuesday afternoon at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Altas thrived in the low-scoring affair as they broke off from the Mighty Roasters in the second quarter, turning a 27-22 advantage to a 42-28 halftime lead.

Coach Frankie Lim downplayed his team’s defensive effort and said, “We just tried to be decent on our defense.” Perpetual limited Mila’s Lechon to a paltry 28-percent clip from the field.

“We’re still working on it. Bago pa lang kami na nagsasama. It will take time before we become a good defensive team, but all I ask is for our defense to be decent,” said Lim. “Little by little, they’re settling down. I just want them to execute. I told them that I don’t care who scores. Ang importante sa akin, maka-score kami.”

Nigerian big man Prince Eze towered over the competition with his 13 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks. Kim Aurin uncorked 12 markers and two boards off the bench, and John Rey Villanueva had nine in the victory.

The Altas were also buoyed by their 8-of-19 three-point shooting in the game.

Ken Acibar led the Mighty Roasters with 14 points and three rebounds, while Axel Iñigo had 13 markers, five assists, two boards, and two steals in the defeat.

Perpetual look to make it two in a row when they take on the JRU Heavy Bombers on Monday, February 5. Mila’s, on the other hand, will have a tough task when they face the Zark’s Jawbreakers on Thursday, February 8.

The Scores:

UPHSD 65 — Eze 13, Aurin 12, Villanueva 9, Charcos 8, Jimenez 7, Peralta 7, Coronel 4, Tamayo 3, Mangalino 2, Antonio 0, Tiburcio 0.

Mila’s Lechon 48 — Acibar 14, Iñigo 13, Derige 8, Parala 8, Delfinado 3, Montuano 2, Bellosillo 0, Crisostomo 0, Deles 0, Herradura 0, Luz 0, Sarangay 0.

Quarterscores: 27-20, 42-28, 51-36, 65-48.