With just five games left in their campaign, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas need every win they can get to make it to the Final Four.
Though they did not put in the same effort as in their stunner over the Lyceum Pirates last Friday, the Altas did just enough to eliminate the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 85-73, Tuesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
“Puwede na. I expected something more. But ayos lang,” first-year Perpetual head coach Frankie Lim.
With the win, Perpetual are now knotted with the CSB Blazers for fourth place in the NCAA Season 94 Seniors Basketball standings with an 8-5 record. JRU are officially eliminated from contention with a 2-12 slate.
“For as long as we continue our roll, we’ll be in good shape. Sinasabi ko nga sa kanila na nakapresenta na sa kanila ang presentasyon. It’s up to them to embrace it,” shared Lim.
AJ Coronel was the bright spot in a lackadaisical first half for the Altas, scoring 15 of his 22 points in the opening quarter. The utility forward had 11 rebounds.
Behind a stellar showing by Jielo Razon in the third canto, the Altas were able to pick it up. Prince Eze then dropped the hammer in the final frame to effectively end JRU’s Final Four hopes.
Razon, a rookie, added 21 points on an efficient 7-for-10 shooting, while Eze added 16 points and 13 rebounds.
“Itong next three games namin will be very crucial. Kelangan madire-direcho nila yun. Not to give pressure to them but it’s a must,” stressed Lim.
Jed Mendoza tallied 22 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the losing effort. Leo Esguerra had 21 points and eight rebounds as well.
Perpetual look to make it four in a row when they face the Mapua Cardinals on Friday, September 28, at 12:00nn. JRU, on the other hand, look to stun the Letran Knights on the same day at 4:00pm.
The Scores:
UPHSD 85 — Coronel 22, Razon 21, Eze 16, Aurin 5, Jimenez 5, Charcos 4, Cuevas 4, Mangalino 3, Tamayo 3, Pasia 2, Peralta 0.
JRU 73 –– Mendoza 22, Esguerra 21, Estrella 10, Aguilar 8, Dela Virgen 3, Mallari 3, David 2, Doromal 2, Silvarez 0, Bordon 0, Padua 0.
Quarterscores: 23-15, 40-36, 67-56, 85-73.
