UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System Dalta nipped Arellano University, 69-67, to force a three-way tie in first place, while Letran secured its first victory at the expense of Jose Rizal University, 70-62, in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Rookie Mark Gojo Cruz sustained his stellar play for the Altas with 20 points, three steals, three rebounds and two assists, while JP Boral scored 11 points, including the go-ahead three-pointer from a Shawn Orgo assist in the final 45 seconds that broke the last deadlock of the game at 65-65.

Now 2-0 under new coach Olsen Racela, Perpetual is now level with College of Saint Benilde and San Sebastian in first place.

After the Bombers reduced the deficit to 61-66, Jimboy Estrada delivered a decisive midrange jumper with 47 seconds left, extending the Knights’ lead to 68-61. He then sealed the victory by making two free throws in the dwindling seconds.

Letran improved to a 1-1 record to tie with holders San Beda, Mapua and Emilio Aguinaldo College.

JRU and Arellano remain at the bottom of the standings with a 0-2 record along with idle Lyceum of the Philippines.

Estrada led the Knights with 22 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds while James Miller, who provided a crucial spark late in the third quarter, contributed 16 points and five assists..

The scores:

First game

Letran (70) – Estrada 22, Miller 16, Go 8, Cuajao 6, Dimaano 5, Pradella 4, Baliling 3, Jumao-as 3, Santos 2, Monje 1, Montecillo 0, Nunag 0, Delfino 0.
JRU (62) – Argente 18, Guiab 12, Rayundo 9, Pangilinan 8, Ramos 6, Panapanaan 5, Barrera 4, Samontanes 0, Benitez 0, De Leon 0, De Jesus 0, Medina 0.
Quarterscores: 16-15, 32-31, 54-48, 70-62

Second game

Perpetual (69) – Gojo Cruz 20, Boral 11, Pagaran 10, Orgo 8, Gelsano 7, Abis 7, Manuel 3, Pizarro 2, Nunez 1, Montemayor 0.
Arellano (67) – Camay 12, Hernal 10, Borromeo 8, Vinoya 8, Ongotan 6, Abiera 6, Geronimo 5, Valencia 4, Capulong 4, Miller 2, Dela Cruz 2, Acop 0, De Leon 0, Estacio 0, Espiritu 0.
Quarterscores: 17-16, 37-33, 57-45, 69-67

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado