University of Perpetual Help System DALTA has proven it is no longer just a dark horse, but a genuine title contender.
With sophomore Mark Gojo Cruz leading the charge, the Altas stunned the highly-touted Saint Benilde Blazers, 75-73, to remain atop Group A of the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
With the game tied at 73-all, Gojo Cruz drove past Justine Sanchez to give Perpetual the lead with 55.6 seconds left.
Misses from Ian Torres and Shawn Orgo gave the Blazers a final chance. But the Altas forced turnovers from Tony Ynot and Sanchez, leaving Torres to take the last shot.
His attempt missed as time expired, sealing the victory for Perpetual.
Gojo Cruz finished with 19 points on 9-of-12 shooting, along with six rebounds.
“First time ko matalo yung Benilde,” said the 6-foot sophomore from Santa Maria, Bulacan.
“Ang sabi ko sa kanila is we have to grow together during the season and that is what they are doing,” added Altas head coach Olsen Racela.
The win improved Perpetual’s record to 6-1, giving them a three-game lead over Mapua and Arellano in Group B.
Benilde had led 70-62 after an Allen Liwag triple with 7:12 remaining. John Abis, Gojo Cruz, and Jearico Nunez then sparked a 12-0 run that put the Altas ahead. Torres later tied the game with a triple, but Gojo Cruz’s late heroics proved decisive.
“Focus really namin is on Liwag and Sanchez. Sanchez is the leading scorer of the league. It’s a hard thing to do to stop them since inside-outside ang laro nila,” Racela said.
“Their guards are also tough, they can hit shots like Torres and Ancheta. It’s hard to stop this team, so our hope is to limit them and give us a chance in the endgame.”
Joshua Alcantara added 12 points while Allen Maglupay contributed eight for the Altas, who will next face the San Beda Red Lions on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Blazers dropped to 4-3, tying with the Letran Knights for second in Group B. Liwag led Benilde with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Sanchez was limited to 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting. Torres added 17 points.
Benilde will aim to end the crossover round on a high note when they face Lyceum next Tuesday.
The Scores:
Perpetual Help 75 – Gojo Cruz 19, Alcantara 12, Maglupay 8, Orgo 7, Sleat 7, Nunez 6, Abis 6, Casinilio 6, Boral 2, Pizzaro 2.
Saint Benilde 73 – Liwag 21, Torres 17, Sanchez 10, Ynot 7, Gaspay 6, Ancheta 5, Celis 3, Umali 2, Moore 2, Oli 0, Morales 0, Cajucom 0, Eusebio 0.
Quarterscores: 16-14, 39-35, 57-58, 75-73.
