BY MILES ARCENAL
IN a game that tested every ounce of grit, stamina, and composure, Perpetual Help’s dynamic duo of Patrick Sleat and Mark Gojo-Cruz took turns carrying the load to carry the Altas past San Beda in a grueling 88-85 triple-overtime thriller in a battle between the NCAA Season 101 leaders.
For the 6-foot-2 veteran in Sleat, the win wasn’t just about endurance, but execution.
“It’s a win. Win is a win. Pero at the end of the day, it’s not taking us to the playoffs or anything. So, we’re just gonna be more focused sa next game.”
READ: Perpetual proves mettle after outlasting San Beda in 3OT classic
Still, when the Altas needed him most, the veteran swingman showed the same poise that made him one of the league’s most reliable scorers - trading clutch buckets with San Beda’s top guns before fouling out late in the game.
That’s when Gojo-Cruz stepped in.
“Sinabi niya nga nung fouled out siya, takeover na,” Gojo-Cruz told the SPIN.ph.
“Thankful ako na nakapag-contribute at nagawa ko yung gusto niya.”
The 6-foot tall sophomore responded with the kind of poise Perpetual has come to expect of this rising star.
“Kapag sabay kami sa loob, lagi kami nag-uusap,” he added.
“Lalo kanina, nung nag-mimiss siya, sabi niya, ikaw naman mag-create. Sabi ko naman, kapag open siya, papasa ko. Bigayan lang talaga.”
That unselfishness is what Sleat believes keeps their system alive through every tough stretch.
“Bigayan talaga kami,” Sleat said. “Yun naman gusto ni coach [Olsen Racela] magbigay kami for each other.”
Through three exhausting overtime periods, the Las Piñas-based crew didn’t just rely on talent - they leaned on trust.
From Sleat’s leadership to Gojo-Cruz’s composure, Perpetual showed why they remain the team to beat.
“Sobrang swerte ko na nandyan si Kuya Pat na laging may tiwala sa akin,” Gojo-Cruz said. “Tiwala lang talaga.”
In the end, it was that same trust that carried them through, from one takeover to the next.
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