University of Perpetual Help System DALTA outlasted San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 86-74, in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Monday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
With the victory, the Altas improved to 2-1 and remained in third place in Group B.
“We’re built for grind-out games. Hindi kami built na marami kaming firepower, so we grind out games, we play defense. It doesn’t matter who we play, ganoon ang composition ng team namin,” said head coach Olsen Racela.
Looking to bounce back from their first two losses, the Stags kept pace with Perpetual throughout the first half and even took a 35-30 lead with 3:35 remaining in the second quarter.
The Altas quickly responded, however, and entered halftime with a slim 43-41 advantage.
San Sebastian continued to threaten in the third quarter, with Niel Castor leading the charge. But JM Tulabut’s three-pointer allowed Perpetual to regain the lead, 59-58, heading into the final frame.
The Altas opened the fourth quarter with a 6-0 run in the first two minutes, only for the Stags to answer with an 8-0 blitz that put them back in front, 66-65.
Jim Corpuz and Tulabut then sparked another Perpetual surge, giving the Altas a 73-70 lead with 3:54 remaining.
Although Arwin Alforque converted a layup to keep San Sebastian within striking distance, Perpetual took control from there, closing the game with a 13-2 run to secure the victory.
Tulabut led all scorers with 18 points and three rebounds, while LA Casinillo chipped in 15 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals for the Altas.
“First of all, it’s a privilege that I get to have this role sa team. Not a lot of people get this opportunity para makapag-lead for a very well-coached team. In terms of our chemistry, we’re getting there each and every day,” said Casinillo.
Mark Gojo Cruz delivered an all-around performance with 12 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two blocks. Gelo Gelsano contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks.
For San Sebastian, Castor paced the Stags with 17 points and three rebounds, while Alforque added 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Matt Acosta also scored in double figures with 11 points and six rebounds in the losing effort.
The Stags remained in search of their first win of the season, falling to 0-3 in Group B.
The Altas will face Arellano University on Friday at 3:00 PM at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. Meanwhile, the Stags will have a week to regroup before taking on Emilio Aguinaldo College next Tuesday, September 29, at 3:00 PM at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The Scores:
Perpetual 86 – Tulabut 18, Casinillo 15, Gojo Cruz 12, Gelsano 10, Corpuz 9, Borja 6, Cristino 5, Orgo 4, Duremdes 3, Maglupay 2, Roluna 1, Cauguiran 1, Velasquez 0
San Sebastian 74 – Castor 17, Alforque 12, Acosta 11, Ricio 9, Ynot 8, Gabat 6, Bacani 5, Muktimar 3, Vuya 3, Suico 0, Segovia 0, Salvo 0,Velasco 0, Barroga 0
Quarterscores: 27-17, 43-41, 59-58, 86-74
