By: Brenn Allen Flores
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA fended off a late rally from Arellano University, 69-67, to secure a 2-0 record in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Friday, Sept. 13, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The game came down to the final seconds when Arellano’s Cyril Hernal missed two crucial free throws with just three seconds left on the clock.
This allowed Christian Pagaran to grab the rebound and seal the win, giving the Altas their best start since Season 91.
Marc Gojo Cruz continued his impressive NCAA debut, scoring 20 points on an efficient 60 percent shooting.
The Perpetual lifer was particularly dominant in the third quarter, where he erupted for 13 points, helping the Altas gain momentum.
The contest was a back-and-forth affair throughout, with both teams trading blows.
However, Perpetual pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Chiefs 20-13, largely due to Gojo Cruz’s perfect 5/5 shooting, which included three three-pointers.
Arellano fought back in the final quarter, starting with a quick 6-0 run led by Jeadan Ongotan, Greg Borromeo, and Jerico Camay, trimming the lead to six, 57-51.
The Chiefs continued their surge and managed to take the lead with under three minutes remaining. Hernal’s steal and breakout layup off a Christian Pagaran pass gave Arellano a 63-62 edge.
Despite the Chiefs’ efficient 43.3 percent shooting and their ability to capitalize on Perpetual’s 22 turnovers, which they turned into 21 points, the Altas’ sharp shooting from beyond the arc (38.5 percent) helped them hold on for the win.
John Boral and Pagaran contributed to the Altas’ victory with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
On the other side, Jerico Camay led the Chiefs with 12 points, while Hernal recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The Altas will aim to maintain their unbeaten streak when they face the Mapua University Cardinals on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 2:30 p.m. Meanwhile, Arellano will look to bounce back and secure their first win against the Colegio San Juan de Letran Knights on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 11:00 a.m.
The Scores:
Perpetual 69 – Cruz 20, Boral 11, Pagaran 10, Orgo 8, Geisano 7, Montemayor 3, Abis 7, Manuel 3, Pizarro 2, Nunez 1 Montemayor 0, Caguiran 0, Sevilla 0, Javier 0, Danag 0, Movida 0
Arellano 67 – Camay 12, Hernal 10, Borromeo 8, Vinoya 8, Orangutan 6, Abiera 6, Geronimo 5, Valencia 4, Capulong 4, Miller 2, De la Cruz 2, Acop 0, De Leon 0, Estacio 0, Espiritu 0.
Quarterscores: 17-16, 37-33, 49-55, 69-67.
