Sophomore star Mark Gojo Cruz powered the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA past De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 75-73, on Saturday in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The win improved the Altas’ record to 7-1, solidifying their hold on the top spot in Group A.
Gojo Cruz tallied 19 points and six rebounds, along with an assist and a steal, as the Las Piñas-based squad defeated the Blazers for the first time since November 2022.
Benilde led 70–62 with 7:12 left in the final frame before Perpetual unleashed an 11–0 run to take the lead, with Gojo Cruz scoring five points during the stretch.
Ian Torres knocked down a three-pointer to tie the game, but Gojo Cruz’s basket with less than a minute remaining sealed the victory for the Altas, as Torres missed his late attempts for the Blazers.
Helping Gojo Cruz on offense was Josh Alcantara, who caught fire from beyond the arc with four triples.
The victory spoiled Allen Liwag’s 21-point, 11-rebound outing and Torres’ 17-point performance, as the Blazers slipped to 4-3 in Group B.
Scores:
Perpetual 75 - Gojo Cruz 19, Alcantara 12, Maglupay 8, Orgo 7, Sleat 7, Abis 6, Casinillo 6, Nunez 6, Boral 2, Pizzaro 2.
Benilde 73 - Liwag 21, Torres 17, Sanchez 10, Ynot 7, Gaspay 6, Ancheta 5, Celis 3, Umali 2, Moore 2, Eusebio 0, Morales 0, Oli 0, Cajucom 0.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
