MANILA, Philippines — San Beda and Perpetual Help stayed perfect in three games after carving out contrasting victories in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Monday.
Anthony Semerad drilled 19 points as the Red Lions poured it on in the fourth quarter to whip newcomer St. Clare, 71-54, and grab a share of the Group B lead.
The Altas banked on the huge games of Juneric Baloria, Justine Alano and Harold Arboleda to get past University of the East, 83-78, and claim the solo lead in Group A.
“There’s no star in the team that’s why we’re having a good run,” coach Aric del Rosario said of his Altas’ surprise streak.
“But I’m still not convinced [with our strong performance] because it will be more difficult in the NCAA.”
Baloria (28 points), Alano (26) and Arboleda (20 points and 11 rebounds) accounted for all but nine of the Altas’ total scoring output.
Earlier, University of the Philippines picked up its first triumph in two games with a 76-69 decision of St. Benilde in Group C. Dave Moralde topscored with 18 to lead the Maroons.
Ola Adeogun added 14 points for the Lions, who outscored the Saints, 25-12, in the final quarter. The Warriors, who have been with new coach Derrick Pumaren for less than a month, dropped their second straight match. With a report from Vinz Luanne Lamorena
The scores:
Second Game
PERPETUAL 83—Baloria 28, Alano 26, Arboleda 20, Thompson 8, Dagangon 1, Gallardo 0, Dizon 0, Sadiwa 0, Oliveria 0, Jolangcob 0, Bantayan 0, Cabiltes 0.
UE 78—Sumang 16, Galanza 15, Mammie 13, Arafat 10, Javier 8, Caparida 6, Palma 4, Charcos 4, Jumao-Ass 2, Varilla 0, Hernandez 0, De Leon 0.
Quarters: 17-17, 34-36, 59-58, 83-78
Third Game
SAN BEDA 71—Semerad 19, Adeogun 14, Dela Cruz 9, Amer 6, Pascual 5, Sara 5, Cabanag 4, Abarcar 3, Mendoza 2, Koga 2, Mocon 2, Bonsubre 0, Solera 0.
ST. CLARE 54—Gil 24, Jamito 8, Dulalia 7, Ibay 6, Acebron 6, Fabien 3, Managuelod 0, Ibarra 0, Lunor 0, Bolos 0.
Quarters: 13-17, 26-32, 46-42, 71-54