Defending NCAA juniors basketball champion University of Perpetual Help System DALTA and a retooled Colegio de San Juan de Letran impressed in their opening assignments in Season 101.
The Junior Altas romped past the Mark Esperanza-less San Sebastian Golden Staglets, 78-61. On the other hand, the Squires overwhelmed the Jose Rizal Light Bombers, 62-52, Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Entering their title defense, the Altas lost “90-percent” of their roster due to graduation, including key players Jan Roluna, Lebron Daep, Jan Pagulayan, Icee Callangan, and Aries Borja.
“Big challenge for us and we need to accept the fact na madaming mawala. It’s the challenge for us na magturo ulit,” said Jr. Altas head coach Joph Cleopas.
That’s why during the preseason, Perpetual underwent rigorous training in preparation for the tournament.
“Yun yung sinasabi ko sa mga bata na the practice we had is grabe talaga and grabe sakripisyo. Yung practice namin yung totoong laban namin at yung games are the celebration,” added Cleopas.
“Dapat mag-enjoy lang kami. It’s just a win lang muna and we respect our opponents.”
Two holdovers from last season’s team led Perpetual in their dominant win over San Sebastian. Jim Corpuz scored 17 points while Don Rosales added 13 points, six rebounds, and six steals.
Renzo Zamoria also contributed 11 points.
With the win, Perpetual joined La Salle Green Hills as early leaders in Group B.
Meanwhile, the new-look Squires showcased their depth against the Light Bombers.
Harvey Macadangdang led the way with 14 points, five rebounds, two steals, and a block. Meanwhile, ex-UE Red Warrior Earl Dehino chipped in eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.
Former FEU Tamaraw Mico Pascual tallied eight points and four steals, while Justin Cargo had eight points, five rebounds, and three steals.
Ex-Tamaraw Travis Pascual (7 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals), former UPIS Fighting Maroon Ethan Egea (5 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds), and ex-UST Tiger Cub Andwele Cabanero (2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists) also made their Squires debut.
“It’s a new challenge for me personally,” said new Squires head coach Andrew Estrella, who previously steered Nazareth School of National University to the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball championship.
“It’s a different team and a different level. There’s a lot of talent in our team, but we need to work on how we will work together as one cohesive unit. We still have a lot to work on.”
Letran joined Lyceum as early leaders in Group A.
San Sebastian missed the services of Esperanza, who is suspended for three games due to his stint in the Jr. MPBL a couple of weeks before the season.
Bronwyn Tepan paced the Golden Staglets with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Khaizer Castillo and Joshua Scott added 12 and 10 points, respectively, with Scott also grabbing eight boards.
(C) GMA/NCAA
Justine Laxamana and Khellian Taparan carried the fight for the Light Bombers with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
