Perpetual Hold Off Lyceum for Second Straight Win
The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA continued its strong start in the NCAA Season 101 men’s Basketball Tournament, pulling off a 73-61 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University on Sunday at the Playtime EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
With the win, the Altas improved to 2-0, joining the Mapúa Cardinals at the top of Group A. Both unbeaten squads are set to collide on Wednesday in what promises to be a marquee early-season matchup.
Perpetual trailed early in the first quarter, 20-21, but quickly turned the tide with a dominant 25-14 second-quarter burst. Mark Gojo Cruz led the charge, firing 12 of his 18 points during that stretch to give the Altas a 46-34 lead at halftime.
The Las Piñas-based squad maintained control for most of the second half, even extending the margin to as much as 18 points, 67-49, with just over four minutes left in the game.
However, the Pirates refused to go down quietly. Lyceum’s Jonathan Daileg sparked a furious 12-0 run, scoring all nine of his points in that rally to bring the gap down to six, 67-61, with just over a minute remaining.
But Perpetual stayed composed down the stretch. John Abis and Patrick Sleat delivered clutch baskets in the final minute to put the game away for good.
Gojo Cruz led the Altas’ balanced attack with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Jearico Nuñez chipped in a double-double of 13 points and 10 boards. Sleat and Shawn Orgo added nine points each to round out Perpetual’s key contributors.
For Lyceum, Renz Villegas continued his stellar play with 18 points and three assists, while Gyle Montaño added 11 markers. Despite their strong finish, the Pirates fell to 0-2 in Group A.
Perpetual looks to keep its momentum going when it faces co-leader Mapúa on Wednesday, while Lyceum aims to finally break through when it meets San Sebastian on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
Perpetual Help 73 – Gojo Cruz 18, Nuñez 13, Orgo 9, Sleat 9, Boral 8, Abis 6, Maglupay 4, Tulabut 4, Gelsano 2, Alcanatara 0, Casinilio 0, Duremdes 0, Roluna 0
Lyceum 61 – Villegas 18, Montaño 11, Daileg 9, Peñafiel 8, Versoza 6, Aurige 4, Gordon 3, Moralejo 2, Barba 0, Aviles 0, Pallingayan 0, Matienzo 0, Casiño 0, Paulo 0
Quarter Scores: 21-2, 46-34, 59-43, 73-61
