Getting hotter and deadlier each game, the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas cruised to a 103-84 victory over the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers and into semis of the NCAA Season 100 Junior’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 23, at the EAC Gym in Ermita, Manila.
JD Pagulayan led Perpetual’s massive assault with 21 points, 4 boards and 1 assist, while Jericho Cristino and 6-foot-7 Lebron Jhames Daep scored 17 points apiece apart from combining for 14 boards.
The win cemented Perpetual’s hold of the solo lead as it hiked its record to 6-1, enough to secure the first semis berth no matter what happens to their last two games against San Sebastian and reigning titlist Letran.
But it was not an easy one as the Junior Altas of coach Joph Cleofas rallied furiously from a 10-point deficit in the second quarter before taking control of the game.
They had the game practically sealed after building a commanding 20-point advantage, 92-72, with still a little over four minutes left.
Pagulayan highlighted his game-long brilliance with two triples aside from making all his four shots from the 2-point region.
Also shining for Perpetual was Jan Roluna who contributed 15 pts, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal.
EJ Castillo led EAC with 26 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals.
