University of Perpetual Help Systems DALTA showcased an all-around performance from their prized rookie Mark Gojo Cruz to break its standings tie with Emilio Aguinaldo College, securing a 73-67 victory in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Cruz emerged as a standout player on both ends of the court, effectively outplaying EAC’s veteran guards, King Gurtiza and Harvey Pagsanjan.
The rookie from Perpetual High School delivered an impressive stat line, finishing with 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
His two-way dominance allowed the Altas to take control of the game from the opening tip, leading from start to finish.
At one point, they built a commanding 16-point lead in the fourth quarter, reaching 70-54 after a jumper from Christian Pagaran with just 2:18 remaining on the game clock.
Despite the sizable advantage, the Altas faced a challenge as EAC attempted a final push to steal the game.
Olsen Racela’s squad found themselves on the wrong end of a 13-3 run from EAC, which trimmed the lead to as little as six points.
However, Perpetual held firm, ultimately clinching the victory at 73-67.
For Racela, the much-needed win against EAC served as a testament to the hustle and effort his team displayed throughout the entire 40 minutes.
“I told them the harder you work, the luckier you get. Yun yung nakalagay sa wall namin. I think yung hard work nila paid off today,” said Racela, who is the former head coach of FEU.
“Yung effort nila defensively was definitely there, and it was a total team effort talaga. Pati yung bench namin maganda yung quality minutes na binigay nila.”
In addition to Cruz, Pagaran had an outstanding game, nearly achieving a double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds.
Cedrick Abis also contributed significantly with 11 points of his own.
This win improved the Altas’ record to 3-2, marking a crucial victory over another Final Four contender. They will aim to build on their momentum against San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Tuesday at 11:00 AM.
On the other side, Gurtiza led EAC with 18 points and eight rebounds, while teammates Gil Quinal and Wilmar Oftana chipped in with 16 and 15 points, respectively.
Unfortunately for Pagsanjan, he faced foul trouble, resulting in his worst performance of his NCAA career, going scoreless in 13 minutes of play.
Following their record-breaking win against San Beda last Tuesday, the Generals encountered a reality check against Perpetual, dropping their record to 2-3.
EAC will look to rebound when they face Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Wednesday at 2:30 PM, also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
Perpetual Help 73 – Gojo Cruz 18, Pagaran 15, Abis 11, Orgo 9, Boral 5, Gelsano 5, Montemayor 3, Nuñez 2, Pizarro 2, Sevilla 2 Cauguiran 1, Manuel 0, Movida 0
Emilio Aguinaldo 67 – Gurtiza 17, Quinal 16, Oftana 15, Ochavo 4, Luciano 4, Umpad 4, Bagay 4, Angeles 2, Ednilag 1, Manacho 0, Doromal 0, Bacud 0, Loristo 0, Pagsanjan 0, Devara 0
Quarterscores: 18-12, 33-28, 49-42, 73-67
