PERPETUAL STOLE VICTORY! NCAA CHAOS & A QUARTERFINALS SHOWDOWN!
A relentless battle unfolded Wednesday, culminating in a stunning triple-overtime victory for University of Perpetual Help against San Beda University, 88-85. The win secured a crucial twice-to-beat advantage for the Altas in the NCAA Season 101 quarterfinals, a testament to their grit and determination. Patrick Sleat ignited the Altas offense with a team-high 23 points, including a pivotal three-point play during the grueling third overtime period. Though ultimately fouling out, his early dominance set the stage for Mark Gojo Cruz, who delivered a massive triple late in the game, solidifying Perpetual Help’s hard-fought lead. This victory elevates Perpetual Help’s record to an impressive 8-1, positioning them favorably for the top seeding in Group A. Their path now leads to a quarterfinal matchup against the bottom two teams from Group B, who will first compete in a play-in game for the final qualifying spot. Despite a career-high 28-point performance from San Beda rookie Agjanti Miller, the Red Lions faltered, dropping to 6-2 while maintaining their lead in Group B. Miller’s scoring outburst wasn’t enough to overcome the Altas’ unwavering resolve. Earlier in the day, San Sebastian College-Recoletos delivered a significant upset, defeating Colegio de San Juan de Letran 82-81. This victory marked only the Stags’ second win in nine games, breathing new life into their playoff aspirations. The win for San Sebastian dramatically shifts their outlook, offering a potential path to avoid the play-in round and secure a direct berth into the quarterfinals. Letran, meanwhile, experienced a setback, falling to a 5-4 record. SSC-R 82 – Castor 22, Dela Rama 20, Ian Cuajao 13, Gabat 12, Felebrico 10, Nepacena 2, Lumanag 2, Dimaunahan 1 Letran 81 – Manalili 26, Deo Cuajao 22, Estrada 10, Gammad 8, Santos 3, Rosilio 3, Tapenio 3, Buensalida 2, Omega 2, Roque 2 Quarterscores: 20-13; 45-39; 65-58; 82-81 UPHSD 88 – Sleat 23, Gojo Cruz 20, Abis 14, Nunez 8, Boral 8, Orgo 7, Alcantara 5, Casinillo 2, Pizzaro 1 San Beda 85 – Miller 28, Andrada 13, Gonzales 11, Estacio 10, Puno 9, Etulle 5, Lina 3, Celzo 2 Quarterscores: 17-8; 36-36; 48-51; 64-64 (OT); 72-72 (2OT); 77-77 (3OT); 88-85 Games are scheduled for November 4th at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum: Mapúa versus CSB at 8:30 a.m., followed by LPU versus CSB at 2:30 p.m. These matchups promise further intense competition as teams vie for playoff positioning.
