NCAA: Perpetual clamps down on San Sebastian for 2nd win

Perpetual Help vs San Sebastian. PHOTO BY Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

University of Perpetual Help found its charm as it cruised to its second straight win, dismantling San Sebastian, 76-61, in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Thursday at San Juan Arena.

The Altas improved to 2-1 while the Stags slipped to the inverse for a  1-2 lead.

Just as the Altas found their offense through transition, the rusty Golden Stags failed to score in the final 6:05 with Perpetual leading 68-61.

Perpetual closed out the game with an 8-0 run capitalizing on a blistering transition offense, where the Altas got 22 of their total 76 points.

Altas head coach Jimwell Gican admitted their victory wasn’t the prettiest, but it’s still an achievement he’ll take.

“Kahit masama laro namin, nanalo pa rin kami, buti na lang,” said Gican. “Sobrang sama ng game, yung turnovers namin, ang taas, hindi pang college caliber.”

“Buti na lang yung depensa gumana, yun ang good thing.”

San Sebastian put on a sorry excuse for an offense, converting only 19 of its 79 attempts from the floor while the Altas shot a respectable 30-of-59 clip from the floor.

Perpetual, however, turned the ball over 30 times and giving away 17 points to San Sebastian, which had 21 turnovers.

Bright Akhuetie lit up the stat sheets putting up a 20-point, 20-rebound double double to lead the Altas while Daryl Singkontiko and GJ Ilagan had 12 and 11 points, respectively.

RJ Ilagan had a game-high 27 points to lead the Stags.