University of Perpetual Help System DALTA fended off Matthew Rubico's hot shooting to pull off a 100-97 escape over Lyceum of the Philippines University in the NCAA Season 98 juniors basketball tournament on Friday.
Rubico finished with 43 big points but that wasn't enough against the more balanced attack of Perpetual, who improved to 4-4. Lyceum, the runner-up back in Season 95, bowed out of Final Four contention after dropping to 3-5 to join other eliminated teams in JRU, Arellano, and EAC.
The Junior ALTAs led by as many as 23 before Lyceum staged a furious fightback in the crucial stretch of the payoff period with Nat Fuentes hitting a triple to cut it down to a 91-89 deficit for Lyceum. Wayne Valencia then converted two quick baskets for Perpetual, 96-91, before Rubico drove to the basket for a 99-97 spread with 10.2 seconds left in the game.
Cristian Vergara then missed both of his free throws but Perpetual was able to secure the next possession as Valencia split his freebies, 100-97, with 6.6 seconds left. Rubico had the chance to tie things up but he went wide on his final triple attempt.
Valencia led Perpetual with 23 points, five assists, and four rebounds while Amiel Acido dropped 17 markers, eight boards, and two blocks as Perpetual stayed alive in the playoff race.
Perpetual's win also spoiled the big night from Rubico who also finished with 13 rebounds, nine assists, and four steals as he emerged as the first player to hit the 40-point plus mark.
The scores:
Perpetual 100 - Valencia 24, Acido 17, Vergara 16, Mascarinas 11, Pagulayan 11, Daep 8, Canlas 6, Montemayor 3, Callangan 3, Montero 1, De Ala 0, Bernaldez 0, Panelo 0.
Lyceum 97 - Rubico 43, Fuentes 27, Torres 8, Villa 7, Mateinzo 4, Mulligan 4, Zi. Espinas 2, Mondia 2, Mointilla 0, Nodalo 0, Zy. Espinas 0, Parinas 0, Poli 0.
Quarters: 21-10, 54-37, 79-68, 100-97.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
