NCAA: Perpetual holds off San Sebastian as Stags finish group stage winless - GMA Network

The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA held off San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 82-75, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

The ALTAs bounced back from their overtime loss to Emilio Aguinaldo College last October 30.

Perpetual held a 74-62 lead before the Stags unleashed a 9-1 run to cut the deficit to four, 75-71. Mark Gojo Cruz halted San Sebastian’s rally, while Jim Corpuz sank two free throws after being fouled by Niel Castor to give the ALTAs a 79-71 advantage with less than a minute remaining.

Aethon Salvo answered with a layup for the Stags, but Gojo Cruz converted his free throws after drawing a foul from Ralph Gabat. Shawn Orgo then split his free throws following a Salvo foul to seal the victory, despite Gabat adding a late basket.

“Fortunately, Coach Olsen [Racela] reminded us to always play like underdogs,” said assistant Allan Albano.

"Good thing during the first quarter, we were ahead, but that's basketball. It's a game of runs, but we sustained in the fourth period," he added in Filipino.

Gojo Cruz finished with 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while JM Tulabut also scored 19 points to lead Perpetual.

Castor paced San Sebastian with 18 points, while Gabat added 15 as the Golden Stags wrapped up the group stage winless in 13 games.

The two teams are still set to meet in the play-in round next week. Meanwhile, the ALTAs will close out their group-stage campaign against Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

Perpetual 82 - Gojo Cruz 19, Tulabut 19, Casinillo 14, Gelsano 7, Montemayor 5, Roluna 5, Orgo 4, Corpuz 4, Duremdes 2, Cristino 2, Cauguiran 1, Borja 0, Yuhico 0, Maglupay 0.

San Sebastian 75 - Castor 18, Gabat 15, Muktimar 8, Salvo 8, Bacani 5, Velasco 5, Cuya 5, Ricio 4, Suico 4, Alforque 3, Segovia 0, Barroga 0, Dimaunahan 0.

Quarters: 31-14, 47-34, 59-47, 82-75.