ALJUN Melecio scored 27 points and led a huge finishing kick as La Salle beat Perpetual Help, 96-83, on Friday in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup.
Melecio hit eight points in a 20-2 flurry that enabled the Green Archers to come from behind against the zone-playing Altas and post their third win in as many outings.
The Green Archers missed Kib Montalbo due to bone spurs but his team hardly missed a beat with Melecio leading the charge.
“Credit din sa Perpetual and coach Frankie (Lim), talagang nawala kami sa rhythm sa start. Hindi namin makuha ‘yung gusto naming laro dahil sinabi ko na it’s going to be a long day dahil magzo-zone sila,” said La Salle coach Louie Gonzalez.
Melecio knocked down a three to tie the game at 81 before hitting another triple to put the game away, 93-81, with 1:23 left in the game.
Kira Samuel added 19 points and nine rebounds, while Santi Santillan had 18 points and 11 rebounds to give the Green Archers plenty of production in Montalbo's absence.
“Good thing nag-step up lahat. Na-miss ko si Kib, siya talaga starter ko,” Gonzales added.
Kim Aurin had 21 points, while Prince Eze had 14 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks for the Altas, who stayed winless in two games.
The scores:
DLSU 96 - Melecio 27, Samuel 19, Santillan 18, Baltazar 16, Caracut 5, Corteza 4, Go 3, Capacio 2, Gob 2, Tolentino 0, Dyke 0.
UPHSD 83 - Aurin 21, Eze 14, Sese 12, Charcos 10, Pido 10, Peralta 6, Pasia 6, Soriano 4, Tamayo 0, Peralta 0.
Quarterscores: 20-20; 48-47; 64-71; 96-83.
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