By CARLO ANOLIN
John Cedric Abis and Carlo Ferreras joined forces to help lift Perpetual to a stunning 75-72 overtime win over San Beda in the second round of the NCAA Season 98 Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The undermanned Altas, who missed the services of veteran Kim Aurin, leaned on the 21-point, nine-rebound game-high performance of Abis to pull off the upset win.
Abis, who had an efficient 6-of-8 shooting from the field, also scored eight points in the extension which included a couple of free throws to turn the tables for Perpetual, snapping its two-game skid and improving to a 5-6 record.
Ferreras, despite struggling with a 6-of-21 shooting from the field, finished with 17 points and eight rebounds.
Mark Omega added nine points and dominated the rebounding department, grabbing 22 of the Altas’ 60 rebounds.
The 10-man Altas also did their part on the defensive end, limiting San Beda’s sharpshooter James Kwekuteye to just five points on a woeful 2-of-17 shooting clip.
The Red Lions had their golden chance when Peter Alfaro, who led the team with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists, took the ball away from Ferreras in the last 10 seconds.
Only down by two points after JB Bahio’s free throws, 74-72, Justine Sanchez then fired a corner three with six seconds left but missed before Rey Barcuma secured the rebound that led him to the free throw area. Though he managed only a split, it was enough to secure the win.
