Rookie Andrei Caracut delivered when it mattered as La Salle slipped past University of the Philippines, 82-79, in overtime for its second win in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.
The touted recruit from San Beda finished with 15 points including a short jumper with 23.2 seconds remaining in the extra period for the marginal basket that raised the Green Archers’ record to 2-1.
Perpetual Help streaked to its third straight victory with an 89-77 dumping of Emilio Aguinaldo College, while National U made a rousing debut after trouncing University of San Jose-Recoletos, 76-60.
Nigerian center Bright Akhuetie dished out a monster game for the Altas ending up with 27 points and 20 boards that went with four assists and three blocks.
NCAA Most Valuable Player Scott Thompson tallied 16 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in his first game for the Altas in the pre season tournament.
The Bulldogs leaned on a balanced offensive to send the Jaguars to their fifth loss in six games. Mohammad Salim led all NU scorers with 10 points while Rev Diputado added nine points for the Bulldogs who opened the game with a 22-8 before coasting the rest of the way.
Caracut forced overtime with a split from the free throw line. After Prince Rivero nailed back to back baskets to push the La Salle lead to 79-75, the Maroons responded with a JR Gallarza triple. But a couple of turnovers doomed the Maroons and Caracut put the finishing touches in the win.
Rivero notched 25 points and 18 boards while Joshua Torralba, Larry Muyang and Jeron Teng finished with 10 points each.