Needing to end their skid, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas were able to find their identities once again, stifling the Arellano University Chiefs, 57-45, Tuesday evening at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
It was a much-needed victory for the Perpetual, as they snapped their three-game losing streak to go up to 6-5. With the CSB Blazers’ loss to the Mapua Cardinals earlier in the day, the Altas are now just half a game behind them for the fourth spot in the NCAA Season 94 Seniors Basketball Tournament.
And it was because of the return of Edgar Charcos, who missed Perpetual’s last two games due to a hyperextended right knee.
“Charcos really plays a big part in our system. Malaking bagay yun eh. We took care of a big lead, tamang tama lang,” said first-year Perpetual head coach Frankie Lim.
“He knows how to find me. Even today, he made good passes,” added Prince Eze.
With Charcos steering the wheel, the Altas raced to a 27-point lead in the first half. But it was not just Charcos who deserved credit, as Eze anchored Perpetual’s defense to help limit the Chiefs to just four field goals in the first half.
“We made good stops,” remarked Lim.
“It’s not about me. We need to win as a team. Hopefully, with the guys coming back, we are hoping to get back as well,” shared Eze.
Charcos tallied six points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals in 33 minutes of action, while Eze had 20 points, 19 rebounds, and four blocks.
The Chiefs, who fell to 4-7, could only cut the lead to as low as 12 points.
Michael Canete was the sole bright spot for the Chiefs, finishing with a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds.
To close out the game, the Chiefs shot just 18 percent from the field. Ian Alban did not play in the game.
Perpetual will next face the Lyceum Pirates on Friday, September 21. Arellano, on the other hand, take on the CSB Blazers on the same day.
The Scores:
UPHSD (57) – Eze 20, Peralta 10, Razon 9, Coronel 8, Charcos 6, Cuevas 3, Magalino 1, Aurin 0, Jimenez 0, Pasia 0, Tamayo 0.
AU (45) – Cañete 15, Sera Josef 8, Concepcion 7, Dela Cruz 5, Dela Torre 3, Villoria 2, Segura 2, Alcoriza 2, Abdurasad 1, Codiñera 0, Ongolo Ongolo 0, Sacramento 0, Santos 0, Bayla 0.
Quarterscores: 15-10, 33-14, 46-28, 57-45
