AHEAD of their final encounter in the NCAA Season 102 Play-In, Perpetual was once again stretched to its limits by ever-pesky San Sebastian.
The Altas had to fend off one of the hardest-charging rallies by the Golden Stags before earning a 82-75 victory at the Playtime Filoil Centre on Friday.
Baste rained hellfire with seven straight triples late, only to be put down by Mark Gojo Cruz and JM Tulabut who both wound up with 19 points for now-4-8 Perps.
“Winless sila, pero yun, magiging complacent ka ba? Kaya noong first quarter, pinakita ko din talaga sa team yung gusto ko talaga manalo,” Gojo Cruz said after sparking their 27-17 opening salvo with four points and four assists.
Perps-Baste, again
The late-season win was crucial, as Perpetual’s up-and-down elimination round still got it a twice-to-beat advantage for the Play-In.
And seeing as Baste had breathed down their necks for the most part of both of their meetings, the playoff incentive will be good to have in their back pocket.
“Sinasabi lang sa kanila ni coach Olsen is the harder you work, the luckier you get. Kaya yun lang, every time na naglalaro itong mga ito, go hard and play smart, and hopefully ma-reward kami sa dulo,” said assistant coach Allan Albano, filling in for shot-caller Olsen Racela who had to head to Araneta Coliseum for Ginebra's Game 4 against San Miguel.
Gojo Cruz also added six rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Tulabut had five boards and two blocks under his belt. LA Casinillo then chimed in 14 points and five assists for the Altas who will still take on Letran before the Play-In.
Niel Castor had 18 markers for the Golden Stags, and was backstopped by Ralph Gabat, who had 15 points and five rebounds off the bench.
San Sebastian is a loss away from conceding the first winless campaign in the 'Grand Ol' League' since Philippine Christian University back in Season 74.
The Scores:
PERPETUAL 82 - Gojo Cruz 19, Tulabut 19, Casinillo 14, Gelsano 7, Roluna 5, Montemayor 5, Orgo 4, Corpuz 4 Duremdes 2, Cristino 2, Cauguiram 1, Yuhico 0, Maglupay 0, Borja 0
SAN SEBASTIAN 75 - Castor 18, Gabat 15, Muktimar 8, Salvo 8, Bacani 5, Cuya 5, Velasco 5, Ricio 4, Suico 4, Alforque 3, Segovia 0, Barroga 0, Dimaunahan 0, Kitane 0
Quarters: 31-14, 47-34, 59-47, 82-75
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