Perpetual Grinds Out 86-74 Win, Hands San Sebastian Third Straight Loss

The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas continued their strong momentum in NCAA Season 102, pulling away late for an 86-74 victory over the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Stags at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Unlike their previous outings, the Stags put up a fight, keeping the game tightly contested from the first quarter through the third. San Sebastian pushed Perpetual to the limit for most of the regulation, matching the Altas' tempo by shooting with confidence from the outside.

Perpetual head coach Olsen Racela candidly pointed out that his players needed a reality check regarding their true identity on the floor, stressing that they cannot rely on firepower to win games.

"The players need to realize that we aren't built on firepower. To grind out games, you have to play defense and make stops, and we simply did not do a good job of that," Racela emphasized. "Grabe ung shooting nila from the Three, and that's what happens when you give them confidence any team is capable of shooting lights out, so we need to improve on that” 

The Altas finally absorbed the message when it mattered most. Clamping down in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter, Perpetual generated the crucial stops they lacked all game, fueling a decisive closing run during crunch time to secure the 12-point victory.

The late-game collapse leaves San Sebastian winless through three games, while Perpetual solidifies its standing by proving it can grind out a win when its defense wakes up.

The scores:

UPHSD 86 - Tulabut 18, Casinillo 15, Gojo Cruz 12, Gelsano 10, Corpuz 9, Borja 6, Cristino 5, Orgo 4, Duremdes 3, Maglupay 2, Roluna 1, Cauguiran 1, Velasquez 0

SSC-R 74 - Castor 17, Alforque 12, Acosta 11, Ricio 9, Ynot 8, Gabat 6, Bacani 5, Muktimar 3, Vuya 3, Suico 0, Segovia 0, Salvo 0,Velasco 0, Barroga 0

Quarter scores: 27-17, 43-41, 59-58, 86-74

Photo Credits: NCAA Media