By: Miguel Caramoan
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA completed a clean sweep of its Group A assignments in Round 1 after defeating Arellano University, 72-67, in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Altas not only improved to a perfect 4-0 record but also recorded their best start since NCAA Season 91 — back when the squad was led by former MVP Scottie Thompson alongside foreign student-athletes Bright Akhuetie and Prince Eze.
Mark Gojo Cruz once again paced Perpetual with 13 points, 10 of which came in the second half. Patrick Sleat and Josh Alcantara added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
“Ang sinabi ko sa kanila is to share the basketball. We want them to be aggressive, but not selfish. I think itong first four games namin, they’re really looking to create for others and not for themselves. Bonus na lang siguro kung nalilibre sila in the end, pero yung pag-create for one another yun talaga ang sinasabi namin sa kanila,” said Perpetual head coach Olsen Racela.
Arellano actually had a strong start, holding an 18-15 lead after the first quarter behind a pair of triples from Basti Valencia.
However, the Altas roared back with an 18-6 run at the start of the second period, sparked by LA Casinillo’s seven points and Alcantara’s six. That surge gave Perpetual a 41-32 advantage at halftime.
Gojo Cruz then took over in the third frame, draining two triples and a pair of two-pointers to keep the Altas in control despite Arellano’s attempts to rally.
The Chiefs, mentored by Chico Manabat, fought valiantly and managed to trim the deficit to 67-65 with 1:32 remaining after a fearless drive by T-mc Ongotan.
But Sleat came up big in the clutch, nailing a crucial basket that extended Perpetual’s lead to 69-65 — a margin that proved enough to secure the victory.
“I’m very pleased with how they’ve responded and the effort they put in, especially on the defensive end. Yun naman palagi yung sinasabi sa kanila eh, and I like their effort, focus in practice, and I think yung focus na yon carries over dun sa game plan na pinapakita namin. They’re really following up to the final detail nung game plan natin,” Racela added.
The Altas will aim to keep their winning streak alive when they open crossover play against the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Ongotan led the Chiefs with 20 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while Valencia added 10 points. Mav Vinoya also contributed eight points and eight rebounds.
Arellano will try to regain its footing when it faces the winless Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates on Tuesday, also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
Perpetual Help 72 – Gojo Cruz 13, Sleat 12, Alcantara 11, Boral 8, Casinillo 7, Orgo 7, Tulabut 6, Nunez 4, Abis 2, Maglupay 2, Pagulayan 0, Guibao 0
Arellano 67 – Ongotan 20, Valencia 10, Vinoya 8, Libang 6, Hernal 6, Geronimo 5, Camay 4, Borromeo 4, Cabotaje 2, Acop 2, Buenaventura 0, Abiera 0, Langit 0, Anama 0
Quarterscores: 15-18, 41-32, 58-49, 72-67
