Denied! says Perpetual Help center Femi Babayemi, of Rome Dela Rosa's attempt. KC Cruz
(Updated 5:01am) Head coach Aric Del Rosario continues to do wonders for the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas.
This time, the legendary mentor guided his wards in snapping their seven-year losing streak to the San Beda College Red Lions, defeating them in overtime, 88-87, Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Arena, in the 88th NCAA seniors division basketball tournament.
Prior to this game, the last time Perpetual Help beat San Beda was on August 19, 2005, NCAA Season 81, when the Altas were pulled off a 66-60 victory, bannered by Khiel Misa and Vladymir Joe.
“I told my players not to lose hope. As long as there is time, our chance to win remains alive,” said Del Rosario.
It was a game that the Altas had apparently won in regulation after posting a lead as big as 61-47, but the Red Lions managed to force an extra period using their championship experience, despite committing 23 turnovers.
Earl Thompson, who was celebrating his 19th birthday, prevented the Red Lions from spoiling his natal day as he knocked down nine of his 23 points in the extra period, including four crucial free throws, along with tallying 15 rebounds and five assists.
“It is a great birthday gift to me,” said Thompson, who sank two charities with 6.5 seconds remaining in overtime, handing the Altas an 88-84 lead, before Ryusei Koga buried a meaningless triple to close out the game. “I’m so happy. I’m proud of my team.”
“We caught another big fish after upsetting Letran,” said Del Rosario, who was responsible for the University of Santo Tomas’ five UAAP Championships in the 90′s. “Nobody believes in us despite our two wins. But now, I’m pretty sure they are starting to believe.”
Jett Vidal's career-high 29 points on 10-of-22 shooting lifted his Altas. KC Cruz
Jett-Sanity was in full swing, as Jett Vidal, turned on the afterburners, scoring 18 of his game high 29 points in the third quarter, including three triples that added to their 34-27 first half lead, plus a clutch go-ahead lay-up in OT, off a sloppy inbounds pass by Red Lion Art Dela Cruz.
Baser Amer, who scored 12 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, catapulted in an 80-foot miracle shot that eventually the game into overtime and seemingly ripped out the hearts of the Altas.
Point guard Yvan Ludovice, a transferee from the NU Bulldogs, had another moment of glory when he made a jumper that pushed San Beda's advantage to 84-80 with 35.8 seconds left. However, the Altas were able to regroup as they took advantage of San Beda’s fatal errors in crunch time for 8 unanswered points.
The Altas out-rebounded the Red Lions, 48-44, 22-16 on the offensive glass. They also turned San Beda's 23 miscues into 13 turnover points, while giving up just 17 turnovers and seven turnover points of their own.
More importantly, the Altas were in constant attack mode, getting to line 38 times, compared to just 23 for the reigning champs. That allowed them to foul out four Red Lions, namely their top-scorer for the game Kyle Pascual (25 points), veteran five guard Anjo Caram, Jake Pascual, Ludovice, and Jake Pascual.
“Patigasan lang ng puso,” Vidal added, after the game.
- AMD, GMA News
The scores:
UPHSD 88 – Vidal 29, Thompson 23, Paulino 10, Jolangcob 9, Arboleda 6, Babayemi 6, Elopre 3, Omorogbe 2, Alano 0, Allen 0.
SBC 87 – Pascual K. 25, Amer 19, Dela Cruz 12, Caram 11, Koga 9, Pascual J. 4, Ludovice 4, Dela Rosa 3, Lim 0, Moralde 0, Villaruz 0, Abarcar 0, Bonsubre 0.
Quarter scoring: 12-15; 34-27; 56-44; 72-72; 88-87
Inboundpass has been covering collegiate basketball for six years. For more NCAA stories and information, check out inboundpass.com and follow Inboundpass on Twitter at @inboundpass
