The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas entered the win column in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament after outlasting the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 83-72, on Thursday, September 17.
Rebound-focused after dropping their season opener 84-77 to Letran, the Altas relied on a dominant fourth-quarter rally to secure the victory.
Perpetual entered the final period clinging to a slim 62-61 lead before mounting a decisive run to build a 79-67 cushion, successfully fending off EAC’s late comeback attempt.
“Nagpe-prepare kami na lahat ng games na ilalaban namin ay dikitan talaga,” said Mark Gojo Cruz after helping Perpetual even its record at 1-1. “Thankful kami na kung ano ’yong tina-trabaho namin sa practice, nagawa namin sa crunch time. Thankful kami na nanalo kami pero sana tuloy-tuloy pa kasi mahaba pa ‘tong season.”
Angelo Gelsano anchored the winning effort with a double-double performance of 17 points and 10 rebounds.
LA Casinillo chipped in 16 points, while Gojo Cruz provided an all-around stat line of 15 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Juan Tulabut and Rey Maglupay added 15 and 11 points, respectively.
EJ Castillo led the Generals with 19 points and five boards, supported by Harvae Raymundo’s 17-point outing.
Now holding a 1-1 win-loss record, Perpetual will attempt to build momentum against San Sebastian on Monday, September 21, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. EAC aims to recover when it battles Arellano on Tuesday, September 22, in San Juan.
Quarter Scores: 19-17, 42-36, 58-54, 83-72.