MANILA — University of Perpetual Help System DALTA turned back Emilio Aguinaldo College’s late comeback bid, 83-72, to break into the win column in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The Altas used a crucial fourth-quarter surge to bounce back from their opening-day loss to Letran and improve to 1-1 in Group B, while the Generals stumbled in their season debut.
Holding a precarious 62-61 advantage early in the final quarter, Perpetual Help seized control with a decisive 9-0 run capped by Rey Maglupay’s three-pointer that stretched the lead to 71-61.
The Altas eventually built a 12-point cushion, but EAC refused to fold and mounted one last charge.
The Generals unleashed a five-point burst to pull within 79-72 with 1:57 remaining, only for Mark Gojo Cruz to answer with a conversion that helped Perpetual Help shut the door on the comeback.
“Nagpe-prepare kami na lahat ng games na ilalaban namin ay dikitan talaga,” said Gojo Cruz, who finished with 15 points, six assists and four rebounds for the Altas.
“Thankful kami na kung ano ’yong tina-trabaho namin sa practice, nagawa namin sa crunch time. Thankful kami na nanalo kami pero sana tuloy-tuloy pa kasi mahaba pa ‘tong season,” he added.
Angelo Gelsano powered Perpetual Help with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, while LA Casinillo contributed 16 points.
Juan Tulabut also finished with 15 points, while Maglupay chipped in 11 as four Altas scored in double figures.
EJ Castillo paced the Generals with 19 points and five rebounds, while Harvae Raymundo added 17 points in their losing season debut.
Meanwhile, College of St. Benilde remained unbeaten in Group A after overpowering Lyceum of the Philippines University, 98-82, to improve to a 2-0 record.
“Hindi kami naglo-look for scores, we looked for defense. Ginawa namin ‘yong mga trabaho namin as players,” Matt Jucom said after registering 17 points and six rebounds for Benilde.
Irele Galas added 13 points for the Blazers, while Justine Sanchez and Cajucom turned in 12 markers each in the victory./PN
