University of Perpetual Help System DALTA extended San Sebastian College-Recoletos’ misery, sending the Golden Stags to their 17th consecutive defeat dating back to last season with an 82-75 victory in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Friday.
The loss capped a winless 13-game elimination round campaign for San Sebastian, which has yet to find its footing after also struggling in the previous season.
Perpetual Help, meanwhile, climbed to a 4-8 record, although the Altas had to withstand a late San Sebastian uprising to secure the victory.
The Golden Stags threatened to erase a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter, unleashing a 9-1 run that pulled them within four, 75-71, with 2:04 remaining.
But Mark Gojo Cruz put a stop to the rally with a crucial inside basket before Jim Corpuz converted both free throws to restore an eight-point cushion, 79-71, with less than a minute left.
“Fortunately, coach Olsen (Racela) reminded us to always play like underdogs,” said assistant coach Allan Albano, who handled the postgame interview as Racela had to rush to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for Barangay Ginebra’s quarterfinals clash against San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
“Buti no’ng first quarter, nakalamang kami nang maganda-ganda pero gano’n talaga ang basketball. It’s a game of runs, nagrun kami, nagrun din ang San Sebastian pero buti na lang, nasustain namin sa fourth quarter,” Albano added.
Gojo Cruz led the Altas with 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists, matching Juan Tulabut’s scoring output. LA Casinillo chipped in 14 points.
Niel Castor paced San Sebastian with 18 points, while Ralph Gabat added 15 in the losing effort.
The two teams are set to meet again in the Group B play-in stage, where Perpetual Help will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage.
Before their postseason rematch, however, the Altas still have one elimination round assignment against Arellano University next week.
The Scores:
Perpetual Help 82 – Gojo Cruz 19, Tulabut 19, Casinillo 14, Gelsano 7, Montemayor 5, Roluna 5, Orgo 4, Corpuz 4, Duremdes 2, Cristino 2, Cauguiran 1, Borja 0, Yuhico 0, Maglupay 0
San Sebastian 75 – Castor 18, Gabat 15, Muktimar 8, Salvo 8, Bacani 5, Velasco 5, Cuya 5, Ricio 4, Suico 4, Alforque 3, Segovia 0, Barroga 0, Dimaunahan 0
Quarterscores: 31-14, 47-34, 59-47, 82-75
