The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas entered the game on a high, thanks to their 2-0 record. It didn't take long for their opponents to burst their bubble.

Calvin Abueva collected his second career triple-double as the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Stags downed last season's hosts, 80-65, for their second straight win in the NCAA seniors basketball tournament, Monday at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.


Penetrating, driving and finding the open man like a point forward, Abueva, also known as “The Beast,” tallied 15 points, 15 rebounds and a personal-best 11 assists, as the Golden Stags broke away in the third period to deal the Altas their first loss under new coach Aric del Rosario after a perfect 2-0 start.

“We just focused on making stop. We are smarter of taking care of the basketball.  I just told the boys to be smart with their shot selections,” said San Sebastian mentor Topex Robinson.

Perpetual Help was very much in the thick of things in the first half, as Justine Alano capped a 13-0 run with a free throw for a 29-25 advantage with 2:34 in the second period.

Back-to-back baskets from Earl Thompson then gave the Altas their last lead, 36-35, early in the second half.

In response, Ian Sangalang, Jovit dela Cruz and Abueva took charge for the Stags, erecting a 58-42 advantage entering the final period.

Appropriately enough, it was "The Beast" that gave San Sebastian its biggest lead, 67-48, with a split from the foul line, with 6:57 left in the affair.

“We know how deadly Perpetual Help is. We know that their confidence is high. They came from a big win against Letran so we just have to be composed,” added Robinson.


Sangalang had 23 points and 10 boards, his second double-double of the season, while Jovit dela Cruz and Michael Juico added 16 and 15 points, respectively, for the Stags.

Rookie Nosa Omorogbe collected 18 points and nine rebounds, while Alano had 12 points and five boards for the Altas.

Both teams now boast of 2-1 records, but will look to gain win number three against separate foes. The Stags take an extended break before lining on July 14 against the JRU Heavy Bombers, while Perpetual Help will try for another upset, this time versus the reigning champions San Beda Red Lions on July 12. - AMD, GMA News


The scores:

SSCR 80 – Sangalang 23, dela Cruz 16, Juico 15, Abueva 15, Antipuesto 5, Balucanag 4, Maiquez 2, Rebollos 0, Binuya 0, Vitug 0, Pascual 0.

UPHSD 65 – Omorogbe 18, Alano 12, Vidal 11, Paulino 10, Thompson 6, Arboleda 3, Elopre 3, Babayemi 2, Roman 0, Cenita 0, Jolangcob 0, Allen 0.

Quarter scoring: 19-11; 35-34; 56-42; 80-65.


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