By CARLO ANOLIN
University of Perpetual Help bucked a slow start and leaned on the 22-point performance of Rey Joey Barcuma to beat Jose Rizal University, 84-60, in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament Sunday, Sept. 11, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Barcuma provided the spark for the Altas, finishing with an impressive 10-of-11 shooting apart from posting four steals, which proved to be pivotal in the third quarter breakaway.
Jelo Razon and Mark Omega contributed 13 points apiece and combined for 16 rebounds to power the Altas to their first win of the tournament, joining opening day winners Mapua and Arellano University.
College of St. Benilde created a four-way tie for the lead with an 86-69 win over Lyceum in the second game.
Robi Nayve was impressive from way beyond the arc, burying four in six tries to lead the Blazers18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
A 28-point bomb in the third period easily turned the tables for Perpetual as it created a comfortable 65-51 cushion and never looked back.
The Altas continued the onslaught in the payoff period and led by as many as 26 points, their biggest margin of the game at 84-58, until the final minute
Jonathan Medina was the lone bright spot for the Heavy Bombers with 15 points and six rebounds.
The scores:
First Game
PERPETUAL 84 ‒ Barcuma 22, Razon 13, Omega 13, Aurin 7, Roque 5, Ferreras 5, Abis 4, Nitura 4, Egan 2, Boral 2, Martel 2, Nunez 2, Flores 2, Orgo 1, Cuevas 0.
JRU 60 ‒ Medina 15, Guiab 9, Arenal 6, Sy 5, Delos Santos 4, Miranda 4, De Jesus 4, Dela Rosa 3, Dionisio 3, Villarin 3, Amores 2, Celis 2, Joson 0, Abaoag 0, Gonzales 0, Tan 0, Famaranco 0.
Quarters: 12-21, 37-36, 65-51, 84-60.
Second Game
CSB 86 ‒ Nayve 18, Oczon 13, Gozum 12, Cullar 12, Sangco 8, Pasturan 8, Corteza 8, Marcos 4, Cajucom 3, Carlos 0, Davis 0, Lepalam 0, Dimayuga 0, Flores 0, Lim 0.
LPU 69 ‒ Bravo 12, Navarro 11, Umali 10, Barba 9, Montano 9, Guadana 8, Valdez 7, Larupay 2, Penafiel 1, Cunanan 0.
Quarters: 18-25, 45-40, 58-55, 86-69.
