Perpetual Help extends winning run to four to start NCAA Season 101

c/o NCAA

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta kept its record in the NCAA Season 101 Men's Basketball tournament unblemished after escaping as 72-67 winners against Arellano University on Saturday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Mark Gojo Cruz led the Altas with thirteen points. He shared afterwards, "Kinailangan namin laruin possession by possession ‘yong laro kasi ‘di namin kailangan sumabay sa kanila sa transition."

The sophomore adds, "Focused lang kami. Sabi lang namin sa isa’t isa na magfocus at kung sino ‘yong open titira lang."

Also finishing in double figures for Perpetual are Patrick Sleat and Josiah Alcantara, with twelve and eleven markers, respectively.

TMac Ongotan led all scorers with twenty points, but the defeat drops the Chiefs to 1-2. 

The Olsen Racela-coached side is hoping to extend their streak to five when they face the Colegio de San Juan this Wednesday at San Juan.

In their juniors matchup,  Ray Ladica's jumper with six seconds remaining proved to be the winning basket for Arellano's 97-95 triumph over the defending champions.

Ladica finished with 23 points for the Braves.

The Junior Altas had a chance to force the game into overtime, but Ezekiel Zamoras and Lance Nitura  missed their respective chances in the final seconds.

The scores:

PERPETUAL HELP 72 – Gojo Cruz 13, Sleat 12, Alcantara 11, Boral 8, Orgo 7, Casinilio 7, Tulabut 6, Nuñez 4, Abis 2, Maglupay 2, Pagulayan 0, Guibao 0

ARELLANO 67 – Ongotan 20, Valencia 10, Vinoya 8, Libang 6, Hernal 6, Geronimo 5, Camay 4, Borromeo 4, Cabotaje 2, Acop 2, Buenaventura 0, Abiera 0, Langit 0, Anama 0

Perpetual Help stuns Mapua to enter historic 3-0 start

c/o NCAA

In a matchup featuring undefeated teams in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament, the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta escaped as 75-65 winners against the Mapua Cardinals on Wednesday.

The Altas stymied the defending champions in the final period, allowing just a single point in the final six and a half minutes of the game, while scoring the last ten points of the match in the last four and a half minutes.

Four players scored in double digits for the Altas with JP Boral’s 15-point game headlining the pack. LA Casinillo, Patrick Sleat and Mark Gojo Cruz turned in 13, 12 and 12 points, respectively en route to the win. 

Head coach Olsen Racela says about the team's efforts so far this season, "This is a culmination of so many hours in practice and the preseason." He adds, "I can’t take credit for the skills my players have. It was a total team effort."

In the process, Perpetual secured their first 3-0 start to a season since a decade ago, when current team manager and Gilas cog Scottie Thompson was still playing for the Altas.

The Las Pinas-based squad will have the chance to extend this streak to four on Saturday when they face Arellano at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Mapua drops to 2-1, with JC Recto contributing sixteen points, two rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. Cyril Gonzales also added fifteen markers for the Cardinals, who will have the chance to bounce back on Sunday against San Sebastian.

The Intramuros-based institution did have some good news with the Red Robins earning a 65-57 victory over the Altalettes in juniors action.

The scores:

PERPETUAL HELP 75 – Boral 15, Casinilio 13, Sleat 12, Gojo Cruz 12, Orgo 9, Abis 4, Alcantara 4, Maglupay 3, Nuñez 3, Gelsano 0, Pagulayan 0

MAPÚA 65 – Recto 16, Gonzales 15, Cuenco 8, Lazarte 7, Escamis 6, Gulapa 3, Concepcion 2, Nitura 2, Sapasap 2, Delos Reyes 2, Reyes 2, Callangan 0, Ryan 0

Quarter scores: 19-21, 39-40, 57-53, 75-65

Altas secure back-to-back wins in NCAA

c/o NCAA

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta secured back-to-back victories to kick off its NCAA Season 101 men's basketball campaign on Sunday, defeating Lyceum, 73-61, in San Juan.

Mark Gojo Cruz led the Altas with eighteen points, while also adding four rebounds, four assists, and three steals. The sophomore says after the performance, "Pinrepare ko lang ‘yong sarili ko at ‘yong mind ko na kahit sophomore ako, kailangan ko na maglead."

He adds, "Ang goal ko lang naman talaga ay depensa pero (ngayon) may bonus pang opensa."

Complementing Gojo Cruz is Jearico Nunez, who earned a double-double with thirteen markers and ten boards.

The Pirates fell to 0-2, with Renz Villegas top-scoring with eighteen points in the defeat.

In the earlier juniors matchup, Perpetual also earned the victory with a 70-62 triumph, with Arkin Cristobal notching a near-double-double with fifteen points and nine rebounds.

The Altas will have a chance to extend their winning streak to three against the defending champions Mapua on Wednesday.

As for Lyceum, they will have another crack at entering the win column against San Sebastian on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Scores:

PERPETUAL HELP 70 – Cristobal 15, Corpuz 14, Patalinghug 6, Zamoras 6, Zanoria 5, Rosales 5, Llupar 5, Binagatan 5, Nitura 4, Rosales 3, Dulanas 2, Velasquez 0, Ferrer 0, Villaruel 0, Restificar 0

LYCEUM 62 – Creus 18, Panerio 10, Pelayo 9, Bo 7, Mercado 6, Yonzon 5, Omelio 3, Fabian 2, Peña 1, Araneta 1, Altamirano 0, Nodalo 0

Quarter scores: 14-15, 38-31, 51-51, 70-62


PERPETUAL HELP 73 – Gojo Cruz 18, Nuñez 13, Orgo 9, Sleat 9, Boral 8, Abis 6, Maglupay 4, Tulabut 4, Gelsano 2, Alcanatara 0, Casinilio 0, Duremdes 0, Roluna 0

LYCEUM 61 – Villegas 18, Montaño 11, Daileg 9, Peñafiel 8, Versoza 6, Aurige 4, Gordon 3, Moralejo 2, Barba 0, Aviles 0, Pallingayan 0, Matienzo 0, Casiño 0, Paulo 0

Quarter scores: 21-20, 46-34, 59-43, 73-61

Perpetual start Season 101 campaign with San Sebastian beatdown

c/o NCAA

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta kickstarted its NCAA Season 101 seniors basketball campaign with a strong defensive effort, securing a 67-54 triumph over San Sebastian College-Recoletos Friday afternoon in San Juan.

Mark Gojo Cruz led all scorers with fifteen points in the victory, adding a couple of rebounds and assists. Supporting him ably are the trio of John Abis, JP Boral, and Patrick Sleat, who each chipped in ten markers.

Head coach Olsen Racela shares about the victory, "Having that first win is always a welcome (sight) pero we have a lot of things to cover."

He adds, "This is just one win but I think I liked our defensive effort today." The Altas forced the retooled Golden Stags to 15/53 shooting.

With the victory, Perpetual joins Mapua atop Group A with their respective victories. They'll face Lyceum this Sunday at high noon for a chance at back-to-back wins.

Tristan Felebrico was the only Golden Stag to score in double figures with twelve points while contributing seven rebounds, an assist, and a steal. He made his living from the free throw line, making ten of his twelve attempts from the stripe to make up for his 1/8 field goal shooting.

San Sebastian gets a few days off before facing Arellano on Tuesday morning.

The Junior Altas made it 2/2 for the Las Pinas-based university with their 78-61 win over the Golden Staglets, as they began their quest for a repeat in juniors action.

Jim Corpuz led all scorers with seventeen points, while Lance Nitura put forth a near-triple-double performance with nine points, six rebounds, and seven assists, with three steals.

The scores: (Jrs and Srs)

PERPETUAL HELP 78 – Corpuz 17, Rosales 13, Zanoria 11, Nitura 9, Velasquez 6, Binagatan 5, Ferrer 4, Villaruel 4, Llupar 3, Zamoras 3, Dulanas 2, Ignacio 1, Cristobal 0 Patalinghug 0

SAN SEBASTIAN 61 – Tepan 16, Castillo 12, Scott 10, Aninipot 8, Ynot 4, Ramiso 3, Victoria 3, Gaviola 2, Dela Cruz 2, Canillo 1, Urbina 0, Pacheco 0, Gutierrez 0, Rizano 0

Quarter scores: 13-13, 40-35, 57-46, 78-61

UPHSD 67 - Cruz 15, Sleat 10, Boral 10, Abis 10, Orgo 8, Tulabut 6, Maglupay 2, Casinillo 2, Nunez 2, Duremdes 2, Alcantara 0, Gelsano 0, Pagulayan 0

SSC-R 54 - Felebrico 12, Dela Rama 8, Gabat 7, Ricio 7, Are 6, Cuajao 6, Dimaunahan 3, Castor 2, Velasco 2, Nepacena 1, Lumanag 0

NCAA Season 99 Juniors semifinals to commence Sunday

c/o NCAA

High School basketball action gets raised a notch with the semifinals of the NCAA Juniors Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Defending champions Letran finished with a 7-2 record, good enough for second place, behind the efforts of the Perpetual and their 8-1 mark. These two teams have secured the twice-to-beat advantage, in the process.

Completing the postseason field are San Sebastian and Mapua, who both tote 6-3 records.

Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso shares, "As the NCAA Season 99 Junior Basketball action continues, we continue to witness our young heroes level up their games — starting off with 10 highly competent teams battling it out on the court to the semi-finals round, which will start this March 10.  As we further inch closer to the Finals, Kapuso sports enthusiasts should not miss out as there will definitely be more fun, exciting, and action-packed games to look forward to."

He adds, "To our junior athletes, especially the Perpetual Junior Altas, Letran Squires, SSC-R Staglets, and Mapua Red Robins, continue being an inspiration to the youth. May you reap the fruits of your hard work, discipline, and determination."

The first semifinal matchup features the top-ranked NCAA HS player of the NBTC 24 in Amiel Acido leading the Junior Altas against Lawrence Mangubat and the Red Robins at noon. That match will be followed by the duel between Titing Manalili and the Squires against Ruvic Danag and the Staglets at 230pm.

If either Mapua or San Sebastian win their matchups on Sunday, the do-or-die decider will take place on Wednesday, March 13.

The finals is set to start on March 16 at 930am, with Game 2 on March 20 at 230pm and if necessary, Game 3 is at 930am on March 23. These games will be televised LIVE on GTV.

Escamis impesses in Mapua blowout

c/o GMA and NCAA

Having locked up a postseason berth, Mapua has focused on securing the twice-to-beat advantage.

The Cardinals got one step closer to locking in that incentive with a 69-53 victory over the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Clint Escamis padded the stats sheets in their victory over the Altas, with seventeen points, four rebounds, four assists, six steals, and a block, while also committing no turnovers, as he continues to make his case as this season's Most Valuable Player.

Complementing the UE transfer are the duo of Warren Bonifacio and Jopet Soriano, who combined for 21 points.

With a 13-3 record, they maintain their lead in the standings, with a win against either Arellano or Jose Rizal University guaranteeing them a top-two seed and its accompanying incentive.

Jun Roque tried his best to anchor the Altas to victory with a double-double performance of thirteen points and twelve boards, but that was not enough as they ended the third quarter down by twenty as Mapua cruised towards the end.

Perpetual drops back to .500 at 8-8, with their postseason fate not in their hands, as they will need to win their remaining assignments against Emilio Aguinaldo College in a virtual elimination game on Saturday and against San Sebastian on Tuesday. At the same time, they will need to have teams finish below an eleven-win threshold.

The scores:

First Game

Mapua 69- Escamis 17, Bonifacio 11, Soriano 10, Cuenco 8, Dalisay 6, Recto 4, Rosillo 4, Morenos 4, Hernandez 3, Igliane 2, Asuncion 0, Bancale 0, Sabsalon 0

UPHSD 53- Roque 13, Pagaran 9, Abis 7, Nitura 6, Razon 6, Gelsano 4, Omega 3, Barcuma 3, Ferreras 2, Nunez 0, Boral 0, Cuevas 0

Quarterscores: 11-8; 29-21; 56-36; 69-53

Perpetual snatches win from Lyceum

c/o GMA and NCAA

A Mark Omega triple off an assist from Jielo Razon proved to be the biggest basket of the game, as the University of Perpetual System Dalta emerged as 81-80 winners over Lyceum on Sunday afternoon at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

With the Altas trailing by two and the shot clock running down, Razon found Omega open to take a triple with 2.3 seconds remaining in the game, triggering the final lead change in the game.

Perpetual would stymie the Pirates in the ensuing possession to secure their fourth straight victory and keep their postseason hopes alive at 8-7 overall.

The baller from Cagayan Valley would finish with a double-double with ten points and twelve rebounds, converting three of his six attempts from beyond the arc.

He shared afterwards, "Hindi ako makapaniwala nagawa ko, sobra saya hindi ko mapaliwanag ang saya ko."

Jun Roque also secured a double-double for the Altas with fourteen points and eleven boards, while Cyrus Nitura almost snatched a triple-double with nine boards and dimes each to complement a game-high eighteen markers. Christian Pagaran also added fourteen points in the victory.

The defeat snaps Lyceum's five-game winning streak and drops their record to 11-4.

Second Game

UPHSD 81- Nitura 18, Pagaran 14, Roque 14, Omega 10, Razon 9, Abis 8, Boral 5, Gelsano 3, Barcuma 0, Nunez 0, Ferreras 0, Cuevas 0

LPU 80- Valdez 16, Barba 14, Umali 11, Montano 11, Guadana 11, Omandac 8, Bravo 5, Cunanan 4, Versoza 0, Villegas 0, Penafiel 0, Fuentes 0, Moralejo 0

Quarterscores: 24-25; 39-47; 65-66; 81-80

Perpetual stuns San Beda

c/o GMA and NCAA

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta eked out a 61-57 victory over San Beda on Friday afternoon at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, keeping their postseason hopes alive.

Jun Roque led the way for the Altas with nineteen points, seven rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a couple of blocks, as they avenged their 62-60 first round defeat to the Red Lions a few weeks earlier.

With their seventh win this season in fourteen outings, Perpetual is back at .500 and level with idle Emilio Aguinaldo College. At the same time, it puts them a game behind an also idle Jose Rizal University, which is currently the best team outside the postseason picture.

In spite of the defeat, San Beda still remains in fourth place with an 8-5 record, a half-game ahead of the Heavy Bombers. Jacob Cortez led all scorers with 22 points.

Second Game

UPHSD 61- Roque 19, Pagaran 12, Omega 10, Abis 6, Razon 5, Nitura 4, Cuevas 3, Nunez 2, Barcuma 0, Boral 0, Gelsano 0

San Beda 57- Cortez 22, Andrada 11, Payosing 7, Puno 4, Gonzales 4, Cuntapay 3, Jopia 2, Visser 2, Royo 2, Tagle 0, Alfaro 0

Quarterscores: 22-15; 33-35; 47-45; 61-57

Potential postseason preview as Lyceum-CSB tangle

c/o GMA and NCAA

Games Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre

1:30 p.m.- CSB vs Lyceum

3:30 p.m.- San Beda vs Perpetual

Lyceum of the Philippines University hopes to rejoin Mapua atop the NCAA Season 99 Men's Basketball tournament, as they face off against the hottest team in the league in the College of Saint Benilde at 130pm at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Blazers are on a five-game winning run, highlighted by a great 84-81 escape against Jose Rizal University this past Tuesday, but the Pirates are no slouch, having won four straight themselves, including a huge 85-79 victory over current league leaders Mapua.

A win for either side is crucial, with the twice-to-beat advantage afforded to the top two teams, as second-place Lyceum is a game ahead of the third-place CSB. A triumph for the former would allow them to rejoin the Cardinals atop the league, but a victory for the latter means both teams will share of second place and the Cardinals' gap increases to a game-and-a-half.

Incumbent Most Valuable Player Will Gozum showed why he earned that award against the Heavy Bombers, dropping 27 points while also helping preserve the win with a potential game-tying rejection against Marwin Dionisio.

CSB head coach Charles Tiu highlights his importance to the Blazers, shares "He’s the league MVP, we will go wherever he takes us."

The other game of the doubleheader features San Beda and the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, which tips off at 330pm.

The Red Lions are currently in fourth place and the last postseason ticket at 8-4, with a victory here solidifying their postseason chances and even potentially target a top-two spot.

At 6-7, the Altas need every win they can get to move themselves back into .500 and ever closer to a postseason berth, with a victory also dragging down the San Beda back closer to the chasing teams like idle schools Emilio Aguinaldo College and Jose Rizal University.

Head coach Myk Saguiguit shares that he's lookin at his talented swingman Cyrus Nitura as someone who could potentially give Jacob Cortez fits. He shares, "Ngayon pa lang nakikita ko na sa mukha nito si Cortez."

Nitura is coming off a near-triple-double performance against Arellano, with thirteen points, ten rebounds, and seven assists, while also pulling off five steals in an 84-77 win over the Chiefs this past Tuesday.

Altas move ahead in NCAA Season 99 chess

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta defeated San Beda, 2.5-1.5 to maintain their lead at the NCAA Season 99 chess tournament hosted at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran this past weekend.

Securing wins for the Altas are Genesis Borromeo in board one and Carl Zirex Sato in board three, with a Ronald Canino draw against Leonel Escote on board two sealing the tie in their favor.

Adrian de Leon managed to eke out a point for the Red Lions by defeating John Marx Anastacio.

The result ensures Perpetual remains at the helm after four rounds with thirteen points. They had previously waylaid these opponents in the last three rounds: a 4-0 walloping over San Sebastian, a 3-1 victory over Arellano, and a 3.5-.5 shellacking of the College of Saint Benilde.

Mentored by FIDE Master Roel Abelgas. the school from the south increased their gap to 1.5 points against their just-beaten opponents, with their gap against Lyceum now at a couple of points.

The defending champion Pirates fended off Emilio Aguinaldo College, 2.5-1.5.

In the other matchups, San Sebastian beat Mapua, 2.5-1.5, JRU posted a 3-1 win over hosts Letran, and Arellano securing a 2.5-1.5 triumph over CSB.

In juniors' action, Perpetual also flexed its dominance with a 3.5-.5 smashing over San Beda, thanks to victories from Kienlan Temple in board one, Cedric Daniel Macato in board two, and Nesley Jovan Magbanua in board four. Hopes of a sweep was prevented by a draw involving Khent Lourence Canas.

NCAA set for volleyball finals

Games today at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan

12 noon – Perpetual vs San Beda (Men Finals)
2 p.m. – Benilde vs LPU (Women Finals) 

With the Holy Week break done and dusted, the NCAA is set to commence its finals for volleyball Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

College of Saint Benilde hopes to keep its undefeated record intact as they face a battle-tested Lyceum side in Game 1 of the women's finals at 2pm.

Currently holding a 27-game winning streak on their way to consecutive titles, the Lady Blazers went to the limit against the Lady Pirates in their only meeting in the eliminations, a 22-25 25-16 16-25 25-13 15-9 victory back in March 4.

They were able to pull off an undefeated run so far this campaign without Mycah Go, the Season 97 Most Valuable Player who injured her left knee in the preseason.

Lyceum, on the other hand, is seeking to cap their maiden postseason run with a championship, after pulling off the upset against the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta just before the Holy Week break.

On the men's side, the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta is seeking their third straight title against an upset-conscious San Beda at noon.

Although the Altas won their only meeting in the eliminations last March 10, 20-25 25-23 25-17 25-16, the Red Spikers is fresh from an upset over Arellano to earn their first finals appearance since 2012, and are hoping to snap Perpetual's current 31-game winning streak.

San Beda hopeful that the outcome will be different this time around, as they got swept by Perpetual back then.

NCAA Volleyball semifinals set

c/o NCAA

Games Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre
12 noon – Arellano vs San Beda (Men)
2 p.m. – Perpetual vs Lyceum (Women) 

The NCAA Season 98 volleyball tournament is set to have its semifinal round on Wednesday, with second seeds Arellano and the University of Perpetual System Dalta seeking to earn their respective finals spots.

Both toting 8-1 records, the Chiefs and the Lady Altas need to win their respective one-game playoffs against San Beda and Lyceum, respectively, for a chance to avenge their elimination round defeats against Perpetual and the College of Saint Benilde, respectively.

The Red Spikers dispatched Emilio Aguinaldo College in the stepladder playoff on Sunday, 25-22 25-27 25-16 26-24, with Ralph Cabalsa leading the charge with 24 points. They will not make it easy against Arellano, as they took them to five sets before faltering, 23-25 24-26 25-22 25-23 14-16, back in February.

Later that afternoon, the Lady Pirates took care of business against Mapua, 25-18 25-23 29-31 27-25, with Joan Doguna contributing 22 points. Perpetual, however, remain as favorites given their 25-21 25-13 25-22 victory in the eliminations.

Amidst that potential mental disadvantage, head coach Cromwel Garcia promises, "Ang Lady Pirates po ay lalaban ulit."

Both games will be shown LIVE on GTV, with simultaneous streaming on the Facebook and YouTube accounts of GMA Sports and the NCAA Philippines.

The league will take a short break before the start of the finals on April 11.

Perpetual, EAC make initial headway in NCAA Beach Volleyball

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta made early headway at the start of the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament on Tuesday at the Subic Bay Sand Court.

Mary Ann Dapol and Janine Padua defeated their counterparts from College of Saint Benilde in Jessa Dorog and Wielyn Estoque, 21-12 21-14 to start off their campaign, then took care of business against Cha Cuñada and Lara Mae Silva of Letran, 21-15 21-16.

They capped things off with a 21-8 21-12 triumph over Karyla Jasareno and Marianne Aloña.of Jose Rizal University to end the first day at 3-0.

Keeping in-step with the volleyball powerhouse is Emilio Aguinaldo College, who won both of their scheduled matches. The duo of Cathrine Almazan and Monna Bañares took down JRU, 21-14 21-14, then defeated Arellano's Harem Ceballos and Marianne Padillon, 21-10 21-12.

In spite of the defeat to UPHSD, Letran did manage to snap up a couple of wins in the morning, as they dispatched Francine Macatangay and Raina Vergino of Mapua, 21-13 21-15, as well as stunning defending champions San Beda, 21-18 21-17.

The Lady Red Spikers, composed of Trisha Paras and Max Tayag, did tack on a win with a 21-15 21-19 result against Arellano.

Also racking up a couple of wins is CSB to offset their loss to Perpetual, as they knocked off Lyceum's Joan Daguna and Ritanhelle Perez., 22-20 21-18, and San Sebastian's Kat Santos and Kristine Dionisio, 21-16 21-15.

On the men's side, EAC kicked off its quest for a third straight title with a couple of victories, as Ralph Pitogo and Joshua Ramilo defeated the duo of Reggie Quilban and Janer Prado of JRU, 21-16 17-21 16-14, and the tandem of Deon Colorado and Vergel Golloso of Lyceum, 21-14 21-13.

Perpetual currently is on top of the leaderboard, having secured three wins on the first day of action, with Louie Ramirez and Jefferson Marapoc taking care of Arellano's Adrian Villados and Arman Guinto, 16-21 21-13 15-10, followed by defeating Letran's Justin Alejandro and Christer Ambrosio, 21-17 26-24, and capping it off with a straight set victory over JRU, 21-11 21-17.

Perpetual claims opener vs JRU

c/o NCAA

Tuesday schedule at Filoil EcoOil Centre

12nn San Sebastian vs Arellano

3pm San Beda vs Emilio Aguinaldo College

A strong second half allowed the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta to blow out Jose Rizal University, 84-60, Sunday afternoon at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

After a first half that saw the Altas hold on a 37-36 lead, Myk Saguiguit's wards took over in the second half, with Kim Aurin and Jielo Razon getting a surprise boost from Rey Barcuma to overrun the Heavy Bombers.

Known more for his defensive prowess, Barcuma scored a career-high 24 points on 10/11 shooting. Razon added thirteen points, seven rebounds, and a couple of assists, while Aurin scored all seven of his points in that pivotal third quarter that saw the Altas score 28 points. Mark Omega also added a near double-double with thirteen points and nine rebounds.

Saguiguit shared post-match, "They run it properly, sumunod sa sistema. Sana ganyan kami lagi para maging competitive kami sa (Season 98)." He also adds, "We made a lot of adjustments. Ang sabi ko sa kanila, relax lang tayo. Alam ninyo naman kung saan tayo malakas. Yung lahat ng ipinakita sa first half, hinayaan na namin."

Jonathan Guiab was the lone JRU player in double-digit with 15 points.

The scores:

First Game

Perpetual (84) -- Barcuma 22, Razon 13, Omega 13, Aurin 7, Roque 5, Ferreras 5, Abis 4, Nitura 4, Egan 2, Boral 2, Martel 2, Nunez 2, Flores 2, Orgo 1, Cuevas 0.

JRU (60) -- Medina 15, Guiab 9, Arenal 6, Sy 5, Delos Santos 4, Miranda 4, De Jesus 4, Dela Rosa 3, Dionisio 3, Villarin 3, Amores 2, Celis 2, Joson 0, Abaoag 0, Gonzales 0, Tan 0, Famaranco 0.

Quarterscores: 12-21, 37-36, 65-51, 84-60

Perpetual names Saguiguit as its new head coach

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta made it official on Tuesday night, hiring Mike Saguiguit as its new head coach for its senior men's basketball team.

Anton Tamayo, in his capacity as Perpetual's liaison officer-in-charge for the athletic program, made the announcement. He says of the decision, "He’s now the coach starting December 1."

In naming him as the head coach at the senior level, the school is also realigning Saguiguit's duties for its high school program, tasking him with overseeing responsibilities. However, he has decided to yield head coaching duties for the Junior Altas to one of his assistants, Joph Cleofas.

According to Mike about the move to name Joph to that particular post, "He will be the new high school coach but I will still look after them as we only have one program."

The 46-year old has been handling both squads on an interim basis ever since Frankie Lim left the program earlier this year.

Also serving as the head coach of the Paranaque Patriots in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, Saguiguit will be tasked to return the Altas to the Final Four in the upcoming 96th season of the NCAA.

He shares that the core of the team that finished 5-13 last season will return, with the likes of Jielo Razon, Ben Adamos, and Tonton Peralta being bolstered by the addition of Mario Barasi, Jr.

Charcos snags Player of the Week nod

The latest to be selected as Player of the Week. Photo c/o Gelay Davocol.

With the seconds winding down and the game tied at 73, the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta looked set to play five more minutes of overtime against Arellano.

Edgar Charcos had other ideas, though.

The floor general prevented the Altas from having to deal with this situation, nailing the game-winning floater with 3.4 seconds left to secure a 75-73 victory last Tuesday.

The win snapped a three-game losing streak in the NCAA Season 95 Men's Basketball Tournament, and allowed the Altas to regain their bearings as they remain within striking distance of the league leaders this season.

The University of the East transfer finished with fifteen points, a couple of rebounds, and five assists in the victory, with six points coming in the final quarter.

Head coach Frankie Lim shared after the game about that sequence, "Sa kanya talaga yun," acknowledging the faith he has in his point guard.

Charcos' feat not only rewarded Perpetual with the win, but also got the attention of the Collegiate Press Corps, who selected him as the latest Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week.
He beat out Larry Muyang of Letran, Jimboy Pasturan of College of Saint Benilde, and Chester Jungco of Jose Rizal University for the weekly plum.

Even with the win, Lim added that the Altas still has a long way to go from being a playoff contender. The former San Beda head coach says, "I still think this team needs to be smarter on playing defense. We just have to stop people if we want to win games."

All-Collegiate five revealed

Your All-Collegiate Squad this school year

The All-Collegiate Team will be comprised from four schools this schoolyear, as the Collegiate Press Corps has decided to award the nod to the quintet of San Beda's Robert Bolick, Ateneo de Manila's Thirdy Ravena, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta's Prince Eze, and the University of the Philippines' Bright Akhuetie and Paul Desiderio.

Bolick capped off his collegiate career with averages of 16.8 points (on 49.1% shooting), 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists to lead San Beda to a 20-1 season in the 94th season of the NCAA. He also might have produced arguably the most impressive individual game this season with his fifty-point outburst against Arellano.

Ravena averaged 14.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks to lead the Blue Eagles to the UAAP title in Season 81 with a 15-2 win-loss record. He took over in the Finals for the Blue Eagles to finish off UP en route to being named as the Finals MVP.

Eze carried the Altas to the postseason with averages of 17.9 points and 16.3 rebounds. His former teammate Akhuetie was named as the UAAP MVP with his 18.9 points, 14.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals for the Fighting Maroons, serving as the muscle to Desiderio's heart and leadership in their run to the Finals.

The Cebuano would finish with averages of 13.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals.

The five will join their fellow awardees National University women's basketball team (Award of Excellence), Angelo Kouame and Javee Mocon (Pivotal Player), Sean Manganti and CJ Perez (Impact Player), Boyet Fernandez and Tab Baldwin (Coach of the Year), and Sisi Rondina and Regine Arocha (Volleyball Players of the Year).

The 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards presented by SportsVision will take place on May 27 at the Amelie Hotel Manila. It is also supported by Rain or Shine, Northport, World Balance, Arellano, and AXA Team EDS.

The ceremonies will be streamed LIVE on the Facebook pages of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas and Tiebreaker Times.

NCAA teams make headway in Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League play

Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League action resumed today.

The Letran Knights got themselves on the winning track in the Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League play, as they dispatched National University, 83-82.

Off a timeout after Patrick Yu split his free throws to establish an 81-79 lead with 7.3 seconds remaining, Kobe Monje received the inbound pass at the right wing and then nailed a triple with under five seconds remaining to wrest the lead for the Knights.

Letran had led by as much as thirteen points at 48-35 in the third quarter, before the Bulldogs chipped away at the deficit until they finally took the lead at 66-65 in the final period off a breakaway slam from Adama Faye.

Nico Abatayo would convert on a fastbreak to establish an 80-77 lead with 89 seconds left, but Monje converted a miss from Kenny Rocacurba to cut that deficit to 80-79 with eighteen seconds left, setting up the situation for the final two scoring sequences.

Monje would finish with seventeen points, while Allen Mina led Letran in scoring with 23 points. Mina led the outside shooting barrage for the Knights, converting four of the team's twelve triples.

Abatayo led NU with sixteen points while adding three rebounds and three assists. Mansour Jeno added ten markers for the Bulldogs.

The second match scheduled saw the University of Perpetual Help Dalta System snap up their second win in the tournament, defeating Treston International College, 88-70.

A huge third quarter allowed the Altas to break away against the Golden Lions, with Luke Sese's triple allowing them to establish a 66-50 lead heading into the final period.

From then on, it was smooth sailing for the Frankie Lim-coached squad, keeping themselves undefeated.

Jielo Razon led Perpetual with 21 points, with his drives netting nine conversions off the free throw line. San Beda transfer Bem Adamos added twelve points and nine rebounds.

Eugene Tan led Treston with 21 points.

Also undefeated in the seniors division is Arellano University. The Chiefs secured their third straight victory with a come-from-behind 78-73 victory over La Consolacion College-Manila.

LCC-M rode on a strong 15-2 start to the game, but Arellano managed to catch up by the middle of the second quarter, tying the game at 30 and turning it into a close encounter between both squads.

A top-of-the-key triple from Kent Segura sealed the victory for Arellano, toting a 74-67 lead with a couple of minutes remaining, with free throws from Daryl Bayla adding insurance.

Bayla would finish with twelve points, while Rence Alcoriza led the Chiefs with fifteen markers. The Blue Royals relied on Jesse Bardaje, who led the team with fifteen points and three steals.

The 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League is presented by Resorts World Manila, the Bedans Batch 62-66, and Cocolife.

Altas trip Red Lions on Fr. Martin's Cup Summer opener

Games on Wednesday, April 10 (SGS Gym, G. Araneta Ave.)

8:00 a.m. La Salle vs AMA University (Seniors A)
9:30 a.m. University of Santo Tomas vs San Beda (Juniors A)

San Beda's title defense in the 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League kicked off on the wrong note with a 60-52 defeat to the University of Perpetual Help Altas at the St. Placid's Gym inside the Red Lions' campus at Mendiola.

Luke Sese finished with a game-high fifteen points for the Altas, while Tonton Peralta added eleven markers.

The Red Lions tried to make things into a game in the final quarter, under the stewardship of Arnaud Noah, but Edgar Charcos nails a floater with less than a minute left, and Sese would make free throws in order to preserve the victory.

The other collegiate matchup scheduled saw Arellano escape with a 69-62 win over Letran.

A triple from John Templonuevo and some effective defense from the Chiefs helped secure the victory over the Knights. Templonuevo would finish with sixteen points.

In high school action, Letran ran right through St. Patrick School of Quezon City, 95-51, to kick off their campaign. The Squires used their transition offense to pull away in the second period and never looked back, riding on the trio of Charles Saure, Ralph Yanes, and Lenard Santiago for the victory.

Saure would finish with a game-high nineteen points, while Yanes added fifteen of his own.

Letran, Perpetual aspire for postseason qualification

Games Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

10am Letran vs San Sebastian (HS)
12nn Perpetual vs EAC-ICA (HS)
2pm Letran vs San Sebastian
4pm Perpetual vs EAC

Letran seeks to formalize its entry into the Final Four as it faces San Sebastian in the first collegiate matchup of the day, as the NCAA resume its eliminations campaign for basketball in its 94th season at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan this afternoon.

The Knights are looking to capitalize on their 80-79 victory over Lyceum last week, a win made possible by a referee deciding to downgrade Jaycee Marcelino's attempted game-tying triple with seconds remaining to just a two-point basket, doing so after time expired in regulation. They are already guaranteed to have at least a playoff for the twice-to-beat advantage with their 11-4 record, but a win would make it beyond the reach of the College of Saint Benilde and its seven losses.

San Sebastian is already eliminated from postseason contention with a 4-11 record, but they did manage to put a scare to the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, losing in overtime, 85-77.

Meanwhile, the Altas are looking to put additional between themselves and the Blazers as they face Emilio Aguinaldo College at 4pm. At 10-5, a win would add a half-game to their two-game lead over CSB, and also guarantee them at worst, a playoff for the Final Four.

High School action also set to resume later this morning, although all four teams involved are already out of the race for the Final Four.

The Squires face off against the Staglets at 10am, followed by the Junior Altas against the Brigadiers at noon.