There’s a new scary duo in town.

The Perpetual Altas’ guard combo of Mark Gojo Cruz and Patrick Sleat combined for 25 points, six boards, and seven assists as they tow Perpetual past San Sebastian on Friday, 67-54, to open their Season 101 campaign on a high. 

Gojo Cruz, Perpetual’s leading scorer last season in his rookie year, had no dust to shake off, supercharging the Altas’ offensive with 15 markers on 50% field goal shooting, laced with two rebounds and two dimes to win the Best Player of the Game honors. 

Sleat– an ace recruit coming off his residency year– made an impactful NCAA debut donning the maroon-and-gold with 10 points, four boards, and five assists on an impressive 66.7% shooting clip in only 21 minutes of play. 

It was a wire-to-wire victory for the Altas who started red hot with a 22-12 first quarter storm and kept the Golden Stags at bay all throughout the contest to spoil Rob Labagala’s coaching debut.

The Las Pinas-based squad led by as much as 17, benefitting from all-around contributions from team captain John Abis (10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals), veteran wing JP Boral (10 points, 6 rebounds), three-point specialist Shawn Orgo (8 points, 6 assists), and serviceable big JM Tulabut (6 points).  

On the other side, the Stags were led by squad leader TJ Felebrico’s 12 points and seven boards, but struggled to keep up with Perpetual’s offensive firepower.

Last season’s top scorer Paeng Are wasn’t his usual self, only dropping six points on six field goal attempts, but added seven boards and two assists to his name in a losing effort.

Prized rookie Jhuniel dela Rama had eight points and four boards in his NCAA seniors debut, while Ralph Gabat and Christian Ricio chipped in seven markers apiece.