PERPETUAL Help and Arellano University overcame tough stretches to dispose of separate opponents and keep a share of the lead in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup yesterday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Banking on a late surge, the Altas downed Emilio Aguinaldo College, 61-52, to extend their unbeaten run to three.
The Chiefs bucked the early exit of standout Jiovani Jalalon in an 81-65 triumph over St. Benilde for a similar 3-0 start in the preseason basketball tournament.
“[When] Jio went out, we showed what we can do as a team,” said Arellano guard Kent Salado, who took charge after Jalalon sustained a big cut above his left eye in a collision in the first quarter.
In the other match, National University fended off San Sebastian’s late rally to hack out a 70-65 decision and improve to 2-1.
The scores:
First Game
PERPETUAL 61—Dagangon 12, Akhuetie 12, Yuhico 9, Eze 8, Singontiko 8, Lucente 8, Ylagan 4, Dizon 0, Coronel 0, Sadiwa 0, Pido 0.
EAC 52—Guzman 12, King 7, Laminou 7, Diego 7, Onwubere 7, Munsayac 5, Pascua 3, Mendoza 2, General 2, Morada 0, Corilla 0, Neri 0, Estacio 0.
Quarters: 13-9, 28-26, 38-34, 61-52
Second Game
ARELLANO 81—Meca 15, Salado 13, Villoria 11, Flores 8, Gumaru 7, Jalalon 6, Canete 5, Abanes 5, Enriquez 4, Cadavis 4, Rivera 2, Gupilan 1, Nicholls 0, Holts 0, Alcoriza 0, Bano 0.
BENILDE 65—Fajarito 21, Young 14, Leutcheu 6, Haruna 5, Domingo 5, Dixon 5, Pajarillaga 3, San Juan 3, Belgica 2, Pasamante 1, Pili 0, Sta. Maria 0, Castor 0, Norberte 0.
Quarters: 19-21, 40-36, 59-52, 81-65