MANILA – University of Perpetual Help Altas returned to their winning ways in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball after a 71-61 victory over Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Christian Pagaran led the way with 19 points, including four three-point conversions, while Mark Gojo Cruz added 14 markers as the Altas halted their three-game losing skid to improve to a 5-6 win-loss slate.
Altas head coach Olsen Racela lauded his players for displaying the same intensity each game despite their offensive struggles in the past few matches.
“You cannot win all games, losing is part of growth,” said Racela. “That is why I am amazed with the players’ resiliency na kahit galing kami sa talo, same intensity pa din sila.”
“I think we just have to learn how to finish games strong, and I think, for this game, nagawa naman namin ‘yun,” he added. “Dikit naman ‘yung mga games namin eh, sa dulo lang nagkakatalo.”
Johnsherick Estrada finished with 14 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, while Nathaniel Montecillo and Kevin Santos had 11 and 10, respectively, as the Knights dropped to 6-5.
Meanwhile, College of St. Benilde Blazers survived a late uprising from San Sebastian College Golden Stags for a 91-85 victory.
Leading by as many as 13 points at 87-74, the Blazers saw their lead cut to 89-84 via a 10-2 scoring blast by the Golden Stags, capped by a conversion from Rafael Are.
The Golden Stags still had a chance to come close but Are missed on his three-point try before the Blazers sealed the win on a fastbreak layup by Justine Sanchez.
Allen Liwag led the way for the Blazers with 18 points, while Ian Torres and Matthew Oli tallied 13 and 12, respectively. They remained on top with an 8-2 win-loss slate./PN
