Games Today (The Arena, San Juan City)
8 a.m. – San Beda vs EAC (Jrs.)
10 a.m. – JRU vs Letran (Jrs.)
12 noon – San Beda vs EAC (Srs.)
2 p.m. – JRU vs Letran (Srs.)
4 p.m. – Lyceum vs SSCR (Srs.)
6 p.m. – Lyceum vs SSCR (Jrs.)
University of Perpetual Help withstood Mapua’s spirited challenge and posted a 63-60 victory yesterday for its first win in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Mapua gym in Intramuros, Manila.
Protecting a slim 55-54 lead, the Altas went to Jeff Coronel and Keith Pido who conspired in a vital 7-2 run to take an 82-68 breather.
It was a sweet win for Perpetual, which was coming off a 68-54 loss to Jose Rizal University last week.
Prior to its game against JRU, Perpetual’s win over College of St. Benilde was forfeited for wearing a wrong uniform.
Mapua had two chances to extend the game after Eze sank two free throws with 13.6 left, but Andoy Estrella and Almel Orquina misfired from the 3-point area.
It was a disappointing finish for the Cardinals who managed to wipe out a 49-40 deficit behind a 14-2 run for a 54-51-40 lead.
But to the dismay of their supporters, they failed to make baskets when they needed them most.
Earlier, defending juniors champion Malayan High School Red Robins routed the Perpetual Junior Altas, 94-74, for their third straight win in as many games and a share of the lead with the CSB-La Salle Greenhills.
The scores:
PERPETUAL 63 – Ylagan 13, Eze 11, Coronel 10, Singontiko 10, Pido 9, Lucente 8, Dagangon 2, Tamayo 0, Yuhico 0.
MAPUA 60 – Gabo 12, Estrella 11, Orquina 10, Victoria 9, Aguirre 5, Bunag 5, Nieles 4, Raflores 4.
QUARTERS: 19-16; 32-27; 49-40; 63-60.