NOT even temporary darkness could stop University of Perpetual Help from finding the light at the end of the tunnel.
Despite a brownout that hit The Arena in San Juan early in the fourth quarter, the Altas turned back the Arellano Chiefs, 101-86, on Monday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
The Altas were leading, 84-71, when the lights at the venue suddenly went out with less than a minute gone into the final frame.
Atlas coach Aric del Rosario even rued the development, saying it favored the come-backing Chiefs.
“Ayaw ko nga `yung brownout kasi nakapag-pahinga `yung kalaban eh,” the respected mentor said.
Play was stalled for about 20 minutes before power was restored.
True enough, the rejuvenated Chiefs managed to cut the deficit to just eight points, 81-89, with four minutes and 18 seconds left.
But the Altas refused to budge, countering with 10 unanswered points -- five coming from Harold Arboleda -- to put the outcome beyond doubt.
“Ayaw kasi talaga namin magpatalo ng pangalawang beses,” the Talk ‘N Text draftee said, referring to the Altas’ 85-97 loss to Arellano in the first round.
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