Perpetual Outlasts San Beda in Triple OT Thriller, 88-85

In what could go down as the game of the season, the Perpetual Altas proved their championship mettle, outlasting the San Beda Red Lions, 88-85, in a grueling triple-overtime showdown on Wednesday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

The Altas, leaders of Group A, leaned on the poise and leadership of Patrick Sleat and the clutch brilliance of Mark Gojo Cruz to fend off the powerhouse Red Lions and improve to a league-best 8-1 record in the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Sleat spearheaded Perpetual’s offense with 23 points, six rebounds, four assists, and a block before fouling out in the third overtime. Despite his exit, his impact throughout regulation and the early overtimes set the tone for the Altas’ victory.

Gojo Cruz, meanwhile, once again delivered when it mattered most. The sophomore guard finished with 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and a steal, including multiple crucial triples that swung momentum in Perpetual’s favor — none bigger than his go-ahead three-pointer in the third overtime that sealed the win.

Team captain John Abis added a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, while JP Boral and Josh Alcantara provided timely baskets to help Perpetual survive San Beda’s repeated rallies.

The contest was a rollercoaster from start to finish. Perpetual looked poised to close out the game in regulation after Gojo Cruz buried a clutch three to make it 63-59 with under two minutes remaining. But San Beda’s Shawn Orgo free throw and Yukien Andrada responded with a trey of his own in the final 34 seconds to force overtime.

Both teams traded blows through two extra periods. San Beda’s Nygel Gonzales and Janti Miller kept the Red Lions alive with big shots — including Miller’s triple that tied the game at 77-all and pushed the clash to a third overtime.

By the final extension, Perpetual’s depth and discipline proved decisive. Back-to-back triples from Gojo Cruz and Boral created an 88-83 cushion, enough to fend off San Beda’s final push.

Miller was spectacular in the losing effort, posting a career-high 28 points and seven rebounds, including 15 of San Beda’s 21 points in overtime. Andrada added 13 points and five rebounds, while Gonzales and Penny Estacio chipped in 11 and 10, respectively.

The loss dropped San Beda to 6-2, snapping their four-game winning streak but keeping them atop Group B.

Perpetual, meanwhile, notched its fourth straight win and continues to look every bit like the team to beat this season.

The Altas will return to action on November 8 against the San Sebastian, while San Beda looks to bounce back against Lyceum on November 4 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.