University of Perpetual Help System DALTA opened its Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL) campaign with a stunning victory over UAAP powerhouse National University-Nazareth School.
The Junior Altas completed a comeback win against the Bullpups, 75-74, in their Sunday morning clash at the Tanduay Gym in Manila.
Leading the way for the Las Piñas cagers were Lebron Jhames Daep, Rian Kelsey Baldoria, and Jan Roluna.
Daep led Perpetual with 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Baldoria followed with 12 points, four rebounds, and one assist.
Roluna hit the game-winning basket, finishing with nine points, three assists, and one steal.
Trailing by four, 73-69, with 11 seconds remaining, Perpetual’s Rosales converted a quick triple to bring the Junior Altas within one point, with six seconds left on the clock.
Macmac Alfanta was then fouled by Rosales as UPHSD looked to extend the game. Fortunately for them, Alfanta was slapped with a technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior when he used an elbow to protect the ball from the inbound.
Rosales sank his free-throw attempt to tie the game, while Alfanta made only one of two from the line, giving National U a 74-73 lead.
Daep then made a long inbound pass to Roluna, who went on to hit the game-winner for Perpetual with just 1.3 seconds remaining. Kurt Velasquez sealed the win with a steal off the Bullpups’ inbound.
Velasquez, a transferee from the University of Santo Tomas, was named the World Balance Player of the Game. In the league presented by URATEX, Jollibee, and Strong Group Athletics, and in partnership with JETOUR, World Balance, and Molten as the official game ball, Velasquez tallied seven points, six steals, five assists, and two rebounds.
For NUNS, Collins Akowe stood out with 16 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, and one steal, while Kurl Figueroa added 10 points and three rebounds.
In another close finish, University of the East avoided the same fate as NUNS by defeating Jose Rizal University, 75-74.
Lance Sabroso led the Junior Warriors with 20 points and four steals, supported by Ethan Aguas and Jean Bana, who had 16 and 10 points, respectively.
Jamal Diaz was also a key player, scoring the game-tying basket off a steal and converting a free throw after being fouled by Densle Pinzon.
Diaz’s free throw allowed UE to secure the win on the first game day of the NGBL, supported by Team Rebel Sports Pilipinas as the official league outfitter, RICA UPVC Aluminum Glass and Trading Corp., Verleo Catering as the official caterer, Tanduay Athletics, MET Food Corporation, Gatorade, Converge as the official internet provider, Summit Natural Drinking Water, and Crocs.
Niño Rafael Ferrer led the Light Bombers with 20 points, six assists, and four rebounds, while James Almario and Lee Marin added 12 points each.
In the curtain-raiser, San Beda University secured a comeback victory, defeating Arellano University, 72-70.
The Red Cubs overcame an 18-point deficit with a second-half surge led by MJ Vailoces, who had 14 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Francis Dollente and Laurence Batong Bakal each scored 13 points, and Juris San Juan contributed 11.
For Arellano, Johnray Ladica and John Axel Mendoza led with 18 and 12 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas dominated Far Eastern University-Diliman in the third game, 76-57.
Joaquin Ludovice had a stellar outing for the Tiger Cubs with 24 points, four assists, and two steals. He was supported by Racine Kane with a 16-point, 10-rebound performance, and Liam Acido, who finished with 10 points.
Khean Esperanza was the lone bright spot for the Baby Tamaraws, delivering 18 points, three rebounds, and three steals.
