MANILA, Philippines – Perpetual Help ended its five-game tailspin following a 63-59 win over Mapua Saturday in the 2012 FilOil Flying V Preseason Hanes Cup at the Arena in San Juan.
The Altas broke loose late in the game and led by 10, 61-51, after a free throw by Jett Vidal with 2:59 left.
“We [coaching staff] decided not to write anything on the board. I told them just play and earn the respect of your opponent,” said Perpetual coach Lester del Rosario.
Vidal, usually a high-volume shooter, reached 16 points despite taking only one three-pointer and collected three assists, three steals and a block.
The Cardinals, who now have a same record with the Altas at 1-5, put up an 8-2 spurt in a last-ditch effort but failed to capitalize on several occasions down the stretch.
Gabriel Banal had 21 points and 11 rebounds in a losing cause for Mapua, which again missed the services of big man Yousef Taha due to personal reasons.