Abis anchors Perpetual’s late-game surge in win over JRU

John Cedrick Abis rises to the occasion for the University of Perpetual Help Altas. COURTESY OF NCAA/GMA SPORTS
John Cedrick Abis rises to the occasion for the University of Perpetual Help Altas. COURTESY OF NCAA/GMA SPORTS

MANILA – John Cedrick Abis lived up to his leader’s billing as the University of Perpetual Help Altas regained form with a 71–65 victory over the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Playtime FilOil Center in San Juan.

After a shaky start in their previous outing, the Altas displayed renewed poise — and Abis took command when it mattered most. The 6-foot-4 forward, bound for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in the PBA, fired a season-high 17 points alongside seven rebounds, steering Perpetual’s late surge that fended off JRU’s final rally.

“We just kept our focus and trusted each other, especially in the last two minutes,” said Abis, who anchored the crucial finishing run.

Perpetual’s advantage, once as high as eight, 58–50, was trimmed to a single point, 64–63, with two minutes left. But Abis ignited the Altas’ closing sequence, followed by a split free throw from Mark Gojo Cruz, a layup from LA Casinillo, and two clutch free throws from Rey Maglupay to secure the win.

Gojo Cruz added 11 points as the Altas improved to 5–1 in Group A, bouncing back strong from their loss to the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights.

Sean Salvador led JRU with 18 points, while Shawn Argente chipped in 14 as the Heavy Bombers fell to 3–3 in Group B.

Meanwhile, the Letran Knights stretched their winning streak to three after surviving the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, 95–93, in overtime. Rookie Jonathan Manalili dazzled with a triple-double of 13 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds, while Kevin Santos tallied 16 points and 10 boards to pace the Knights’ 3–3 climb./PN

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