University of Perpetual Help System DALTA escaped Emilio Aguinaldo College's late rally, 86-80, to stay in the hunt for a coveted semifinal spot, Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.
The Altas improved to an 9-8 win-loss record to leapfrog EAC for sixth in the tournament standings and still stay in the Final Four race. Meanwhile, heartbreak ensued for the Generals (8-9) as they officially got knocked out of the semis race.
In order for the Perpetual to have a slither of hope at a Final Four appearance, the teams above them must drop their remaining games. Consequently, a win versus San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Tuesday, November 21 is essential for the Altas in order to stay in the hunt.
Off the bench, Jielo Razon churned out a team-high 22 points on an efficient 63.6% (7/11) shooting from the field. The six-foot guard also contributed three assists, two rebounds, and two steals.
Forward Art Roque and Christian Pagaran followed suit, producing 14 and 12 points respectively, with the latter also grabbing eight boards.
Opening the contest on a 10-0 whitewash, the Las Piñas-based squad never looked back since then. With forwards Marcus Nitura and Art Roque heating up early, Perpetual finished the first canto with a 13-point advantage, 24-11.
The following quarter saw more of the same story as Perpetual compounded on its lead even more. With veteran guard Razon leading the charge, the Altas went into the half carrying a healthy 20-point cushion, 45-25.
Things got a little bit more chippy after the break as John Abis, Christian Pagaran, and Jc Luciano were all penalized with unsportsmanlike fouls. Nevertheless, the Myk Saguiguit-led team remained resolute in their mission and headed into the final canto ahead, 69-54.
With their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, EAC went on a 13-1 run late in the final frame to cut the Perpetual lead to five, 77-72. However, the Altas showed its mettle as they scored timely baskets down the stretch. Most notably, Razon came through in the clutch, producing seven points in the last minute to get the Altas over the line, 86-80.
Scores:
Perpetual 86 - Razon 22, Roque 14, Pagaran 12, Abis 8, Nunez 7, Nitura 6, Boral 4, Omega 4, Ferreras 3, Barcuma 2, Gelsano 2, Sevilla 2, Cuevas 0, Movida 0, Orgo 0.
EAC 80 - Maguliano 23, Gurtiza 15, Ochavo 14, Robin 10, Cosejo 7, Quinal 5, Doria 4, Luciano 1, Angeles 1, Bacud 0, Balowa 0, Cosa 0, Loristo 0, Umpad 0.
Quarterscores: 24-11; 45-25; 69-54; 86-80.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
