Gojo Cruz Lifts Perpetual Over Benilde, 75–73 in NCAA Season 101

The Perpetual Altas continued their impressive NCAA Season 101 campaign with a hard-fought 75–73 victory over the Benilde Blazers on Saturday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Sophomore standout Mark Gojo Cruz once again proved to be the difference-maker, firing 19 points, grabbing six rebounds, and delivering the game-winning basket to lift the Altas to 7–1, keeping them firmly on top of Group A.

The Altas had to claw their way back from an eight-point deficit, 70–62, with just over seven minutes left in the game. Gojo Cruz spearheaded a crucial 11–0 run, scoring five points during that stretch to turn the tide in Perpetual’s favor.

Ian Torres momentarily tied the game with a clutch three-pointer for Benilde, but Gojo Cruz responded with a driving layup in the final minute that sealed the deal. Torres then missed two potential game-tying shots as time expired.

Helping Cruz carry the scoring load was Josh Alcantara, who came up big from long range with four triples, while Patrick Sleat and Shawn Orgo added seven points apiece to round out Perpetual’s balanced effort.

Despite the loss, Allen Liwag stood tall for the Blazers with a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Torres added 17 points including four treys, with four rebounds. However, their efforts fell short as Benilde dropped to 4–3, now tied with Letran for second place in Group B.

The victory also marked Perpetual’s first win over Benilde since November 2022, underscoring the Altas’ steady rise as one of the tournament’s most consistent teams this season.

Perpetual will look to extend their streak when they face the San Beda Red Lions on Wednesday, October 29, while Benilde aims to bounce back against the Lyceum Pirates on Tuesday, October 28.