University of Perpetual Help inched closer to winning its first NCAA juniors basketball championship after pulling off a 100-96 win over La Salle Greenhills in Game 1 of the Season 100 Finals on Friday, April 11, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
As it neared the summit of success, Perpetual had to thank Lebron Jhames Daep and Jan Roluna as the dynamic duo came through with stellar plays down the stretch that made the big difference in the opener of their best-of-three title series.
Daep used his 6-foot-7 frame to dominate the paint while Roluna was equally awesome, what with his devastating mix of jumpers.
But it was Roluna’s pair of pressure-packed charities in the waning moments that mattered most.
The Junior Altas can lay hands on the ultimate prize with another win on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Daep, the frontrunner in the MVP derby, went on to lead the Junior Altas of coach Joph Cleopas with 21 points while Roluna added 20.
In a show of force, three other Perpetual players posted in double figures with Jericho Cristino tallying 14 points, JD Pagulayan 13 and Louie Rosales 12.
Court general Icee Callangan, as expected, lived up to expectations with 5 points, 12 boards, 7 assists and 2 steals.
Guillian Quines led La Salle Greenhills with a game-high 29 points.
