MANILA – University of Perpetual Help Altas overcame a tough challenge from Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates, securing an 89-83 overtime win in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.
After failing to close out the Pirates in the regulation period, the Altas opened the extension period with a split free throw and two inside conversions from Jearico Nuñez for an 83-78 lead.
Mark Gojo Cruz, who took over the starting point guard spot from injured Negrense playmaker Shawn Orgo, sealed the victory for the Altas with free throw conversions late in the game.
JP Boral led the way for the Altas with 18 points; Nuñez added 15 markers, while John Abis had a double-double of 12 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists as they improved to a 6-8 win-loss slate.
“Masaya kami (na nanalo uli kami) kasi ‘yung mga last games namin ang sakit, kasi puro dikit eh,” said Altas’ Christian Pagaran, who contributed 16 points, said in a post-game interview.
Renz Villagas finished with 23 points to lead the Pirates, while John Barba and Jonathan Daileg contributed 17 and 10 points, respectively, as they dropped to a 6-7 record.
In the second game, Negrense forward Mart James Barrera caught fire offensively as Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers stunned Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, 90-86.
The former Bacolod Tay Tung High School standout finished with a career-high of 22 points to go with two assists, one rebound, and a steal as the Heavy Bombers halted their losing run to improve to a 4-9 win-loss record.
“Siguro po, sa akin lang po, is palagi akong china-challenge ni coach kasi feel ko nung past few games namin hindi ko masyadong na-meet ‘yung expectation sa akin ng coaches coming into this season,” Barrera said.
“Kaya inisip ko na lang po is maging ready, gamitin man ako o hindi, at sumunod lang sa game plan at system ni coach and tiwala lang din sa sarili at kumpiyansa lang,” he added./PN
