Perpetual enters win column as Gojo-Cruz shines vs EAC

The Perpetual Help Altas bounced back from an opening-day setback, fending off the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 83-72, at the Playtime FilOil Centre.

Angelo Gelsano led a balanced Altas attack with 17 points, three steals, and two assists to earn Player of the Game honors.

Leobert Casinillo dropped 16 points and five assists, while Mark Gojo-Cruz and JM Tulabut chipped in 15 points apiece to keep Perpetual in command.

For Gojo-Cruz, the performance served as redemption after a frustrating Season 102 opener where he fouled out early.

"Nahihiya ako sa team kasi nung first game, foul trouble ako and limited minutes," Gojo-Cruz shared regarding his mindset. "Wala akong ibang isip kundi bumawi ngayong game, and thank God na nakapag-perform well."

Perpetual set the tone early by dominating the interior, compiling 44 points in the paint and controlling the boards with a 46-31 rebounding advantage.

Altas head coach Olsen Racela pointed to his squad's poise as the main difference from their previous match against Letran, while noting the impact of having Gojo-Cruz available late.

"I think composure in the endgame. Well today we were up, we were in control in the second half," Racela said. "Nung first game kasi naghahabol kami, but good thing silang lahat were composed enough to drive off that cheering rally of EAC."

"Nung first game din kasi, foul trouble siya, hindi siya magamit, then nag-foul out pa si Gojo," Racela added on Gojo-Cruz's bounce-back effort.

EAC attempted to mount a fourth-quarter run behind Castillo's 19 points, but Casinillo and Gojo-Cruz hit crucial baskets to rebuild a double-digit cushion.

Racela emphasized that his players were well-prepared for the Generals' expected fightback late in the contest.

"We know they're a good team, a well-coached team, and we know na babalik sila and we were ready for that," Racela added. "Every single one of our players was ready to play the game and meet the challenge."

Rey Maglupay also reached double digits with 11 points as Perpetual evened its record in Group A of NCAA Season 102.

The Scores:

UPHSD 83 – Gelsano 17, Casinillo 16, Gojo-Cruz 15, Tulabut 15, Maglupay 11, Pagulayan 4, Cristino 3, Duremdes 2, Borja 0, Corpuz 0, Velasquez 0, Cauguiran 0, Montemayor 0, Orgo 0

EAC 72 – Castillo 19, Raymundo 17, Bagay 11, Oftana 9, Nunag 6, Ochavo 5, Raymundo MJ 3, Bonus 2, Shanoda 0, Sealey 0, Coronel 0, Mundas 0, Luna 0

Photo Credits: NCAA Philippines Media