After a playoff-sque triple overtime slugfest against Group B kingpin San Beda, it’s becoming more apparent that Perpetual might be the team to beat in NCAA Season 101.

The Group A alphas needed three extension periods to outlast their 'group of death' counterparts, but had more in their arsenal as the game went down to the trenches– rallying behind the steady leadership of ace recruit Patrick Sleat, and timely buckets from Mark Gojo Cruz, John Abis, JP Boral.

Puerto Galera native Sleat was an offensive workhorse all-game long until he fouled out in the third overtime period. Despite the departure in crunch time, the 6-foot-2 star forward still led all Perpetual scorers with 23 points alongside 6 rebounds and 4 dimes to complete his terrific across-the-board play for the league’s top squad. 

Super sophomore MGC was also a consistent provider for Coach Olsen Racela, chipping in 20 markers, 5 boards, and 5 assists embellished with clutch buckets that sparked Perpetual’s spirited fight, while team captain John Abis had a double-double 14 points and 11 rebounds.

San Beda superstar and league’s best scorer Janti Miller had himself an explosive afternoon and carried much of the offensive load for the Red Lions, raking in 28 points on 11-for-30 field goal shooting on top of 7 rebounds.

Though the prized recruit struggled from beyond the arc, settling for a dismal 13.3% (2/15) three-point shooting, Miller was the lone bright spot in the Red Lions’ valiant stand as he did most of the damage in all three extension periods.

Miller scored 15 of the 21 total points San Beda scored post-regulation, almost single-handedly keeping the red-and-white of Mendiola alive throughout.

Graduating team captain Yukien Andrada helped out with 13 points and 5 rebounds, while guards Nygel Gonzales and Penny Estacio added 11 and 10 markers, respectively.  

The Perpetual win further improved their league-leading record to 8-1, while Group B leader San Beda absorbed their second loss in eight games.