SAN JUAN — The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta bounced back into the win column with an 82-75 victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos at the San Juan Arena on Friday, November 6, sealing the Stags’ winless elimination campaign in the NCAA Season 102 Menʼs Basketball tournament.
Rebounding from a tight 92-89 defeat against Emilio Aguinaldo College, the Altas seized control behind a dominant third-quarter surge that stretched their advantage to 20 points, punctuated by a deep three-pointer from JM Tulabut. Although the Stags mounted a late push in the final period, Perpetual maintained its composure to close out the match.
With the win, Perpetual improved to a 4-8 record, setting up a crucial clash against Group B leader Letran (8-4) on Tuesday, November 10. Meanwhile, San Sebastian finished the elimination phase at 0-13, making them the season’s lone winless team heading into the play-in tournament.
Tulabut and Gojo Cruz paced the Altas with 19 points apiece, with Tulabut adding five rebounds and two blocks, and Cruz delivering a strong all-around performance featuring six rebounds and five assists. LA Casinillo chipped in 14 points. Niel Castor led San Sebastian with 18 points, while Ralph Gabat contributed 15 in the losing effort.
In the juniors division, the Junior Altas secured a twice-to-beat quarterfinals advantage and the top spot in Group B after routing the Golden Staglets, 99-65. Francis Rosales scored 16 points for Perpetual, which raised its record to 9-3, while San Sebastian dropped to 3-10.
In earlier action, La Salle Greenhills extended its winning streak to seven games by edging the JRU Light Bombers, 89-88, in overtime.