By: George Torno
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA is sending a clear message in NCAA Season 101: the Altas are a force to be reckoned with.
Perpetual extended its winning streak to three games by toppling defending champions Mapua University Cardinals, 75-65, Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The victory not only keeps the Altas undefeated at 3–0 in Group A but also ends the Cardinals’ winning run, signaling an early shift in momentum this season.
“Big win. We were actually in the same situation last season, we were 2-0 and we were up against Mapua. We lost, and that started our tailspin downward last season,” recalled second-year Altas head coach Olsen Racela, whose team lost six of their next eight games after that.
“I just told them that we don’t want a repeat of what happened last year.”
Trailing 40-39 entering the third quarter, Perpetual unleashed a 7-0 run to seize the lead, fueled by JP Boral’s jumper that closed the period at 57-53 in favor of the Altas.
Mapua eventually tied the game at 65-all before Shawn Orgo and Boral combined for four consecutive free throws, with Boral also sinking a triple with 1:50 left to secure the win for Perpetual.
Boral finished with 15 points, two assists, and three rebounds, while LA Casinillo contributed 13 points and two assists to help the Altas pull ahead by the third quarter.
Patrick Sleat recorded a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double with three blocks, and Mark Gojo Cruz added 12 markers.
Perpetual dominated the glass, outrebounding Mapua 47-33, including 11 offensive boards that generated 10 second-chance points.
“We were preaching multiple efforts sa mga bata, not just on defense but also rebounding. We just have to be smart,” Racela said.
The Altas aim to extend their streak when they face the Arellano Chiefs on Saturday, October 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Despite Perpetual’s surge, JC Recto led Mapua with 16 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Cyril Gonzales added 15 points, three rebounds, and four steals.
Season 100 Finals MVP Clint Escamis struggled, limited to six points on 3-of-13 shooting.
Mapua will look to bounce back against San Sebastian College–Recoletos on Sunday, October 12, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
Perpetual 75 – Boral 15, Casinilio 13, Gojo Cruz 12, Sleat 12, Orgo 9, Abis 4, Alcantara 4, Maglupay 3, Nunez 3, Gelsano 0, Pagulayan 0, Tulabut 0
Mapua 65 – Recto 16, Gonzales 15, Cuenco 8, Lazarte 7, Escamis 6, Gulapa 3, Concepcion 2, Delos Reyes 2, Nitura 2, Reyes 2, Sapasap 2, Callangan 0, Ryan 0
Quarterscores: 19-21, 39-40, 57-53, 75-65
