Patrick Sleat and Mark Gojo Cruz delivered in their final game for the season as the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA defeated De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 87-75, in the NCAA Season 101 battle for third on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Veteran guard Sleat led the charge with 19 points together with seven assists, three rebounds, and one steal while sophomore star Gojo Cruz churned out 13 markers, five boards, and three dimes as they salvaged a podium finish.
The Blazers leaned on Anton Eusebio as the 6-foot-5 forward flirted with a double-double of 16 points and nine rebounds laced with two blocks, one assist, and one steal as Benilde played through the absence of a pair of key cogs.
Shawn Orgo and Sleat waxed hot early with the former dropping two triples in the first half that allowed the ALTAs to take a slim 42-40 halftime lead against a Benilde side that was missing the services of reigning MVP Alllen Liwag and seasoned guard Tony Ynot.
Benilde did just enough to keep it close in the third as the Blazers trailed by just six to end the penultimate frame.
But Perpetual pulled away for good in the fourth with LA Casinillo hitting seven points to help the ALTAs build a 74-66 cushion to open the payoff period while Gojo Cruz put on the finishing touches, scoring the seven of their last eight points to seal the deal.
The win was a consolation for the ALTAs, who were swept by Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the Final Four after finishing the group stage as the top-seeded team in Group A.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
