The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA escaped Jose Rizal University’s late rally, 81-74, to book a slot in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball semifinals on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Perpetual led 41-37 by the end of the first half before they surged to a 63-51 lead by the end of the third period.
The Heavy Bombers, however, tried to catch up and came close, 73-70, with less than two minutes left in the fourth period.
Perpetual then made a 6-2 run to claim a 79-72 lead with 12 seconds left before Ivan Panapanaan scored a basket to trim down JRU’s deficit to five with five seconds left.
However, Mark Gojo Cruz’ free throws off a Sean Salvador foul sealed the victory for the Altas.
“Nung first half and fourth quarter, they made that run, palagi ko sinasabi sa kanila, every time a team makes a run, focus on stops. Huwag n’yo isipin ang scoring, ‘yung scoring will come, but priority natin is defense,” Perpetual head coach Olsen Racela said.
Gojo Cruz led the Altas with 21 points, while Patrick Sleat had 14 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds as the Altas booked a slot in the Final Four.
Salvador had 18 points, while Allen Laurenaria had 16 points and 10 rebounds as the Heavy Bombers concluded their season.
Scores:
Perpetual 81 – Gojo Cruz 23, Sleat 14, Orgo 10, Abis 9, Boral 7, Nuñez 6, Casinilio 4, Duremdes 2, Alcantara 2, Tulabut 2, Gelsano 2, Maglupay 0, Pagulayan 0.
JRU 74 – Salvador 18, Laurenaria 16, Lozano 11, Panapanaan 8, Duque 6, Argente 4, Garupil 4, Castillo 3, Benitez 2, Sarmiento 2, Herrera 0.
Quarters: 22-16, 41-37, 63-51, 81-74.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
