WITH their unblemished Group A record at stake, Perpetual put out all the stops against defending champion Mapua for a statement 75-65 win, Wednesday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
With their third win in a row, the Altas not only claimed their best start since their Scottie Thompson-headlined NCAA Season 91 squad, but also head coach Olsen Racela’s first victory vs. the Cardinals.
It could have easily been anyone’s game, as this midwek Season 101 showdown had the Cardinals ahead by only one at halftime.
However, Perpetual turned the tide come the third quarter with an 18-point downpour, prompted by Mark Gojo Cruz and his two triples.
The hot shooting continued in the final frame, where the Altas broke away and never looked back after Shawn Orgo’s single conversion from the free throw line broke the 10th and final deadlock of the game.
JP Boral swished an efficient 15 points and three rebounds built on two triples to bolster Altas starters Patrick Sleat and Gojo Cruz, who had 12 apiece, with Sleat also adding 10 rebounds.
Altas' ascent
According to Racela, the historic start is nice to achieve, but denting Mapua’s record ranks higher for their campaign back to relevance.
“To go 3-0, for me, means nothing, and sinabi ko din sa kanila ‘yun. Malayo pa yung season, this is just the first week namin,” he said.
“But yung win against Mapua, its really big for us and our program. I’m sure other teams will take notice dahil tinalo namin yung defending champions,” he added.
Mapua had an abysmal fourth quarter, marred by 13 misses and zero field goals for the remaining 4:37 of the game.
Finals MVP Clint Escamis was held to just six points, while Cyril Gonzales mustered 15 points on 21 attempts.
The Scores:
PERPETUAL 75 - Boral 15, Casinilio 13, Sleat 12, Gojo Cruz 12, Orgo 9, Alcantara 4, Abis 4, Maglupay 3, Nunez 3, Tulabut 0, Gelsano 0, Pagulayan 0
MAPUA 65 - Recto 16, Gonzales 15, Cuenco 8, Lazarte 7 Escamis 6, Gulapa 3, Concepcion 2, Nitura 2, Sapasap 2, Delos Reyes 2, Reyes 2, Ryan 0, Callangan 0
Quarters: 19-21, 39-40, 57-53, 75-65
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