NCAA: Perpetual stays alive in Final Four race, ousts EAC

Perpetual Help’s Jielo Razon keeps the Altas alive with 22 points. –NCAA Photo

MANILA, Philippines—Like that old Bee Gees song, Perpetual Help is staying alive in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament after defeating Emilio Aguinaldo College, 86-80, at San Juan Arena on Saturday.

The Altas remained in contention for a Final Four spot after improving to a 9-8 card. They sit a game behind San Beda, Jose Rizal University and College of St. Benilde, which all have won 10 games.

The Generals, meanwhile, kissed their playoffs hope goodbye as they dropped to 8-9.

Jielo Razon showed out with 22 big points to keep Perpetual breathing while Art Roque finished two rebounds shy of a double-double with 14 points and eight boards.

JP Maguliano finished with 23 points but to no avail for EAC. King Gurtiza and Kyle Ochavo also registered 15 and 14 points, respectively, in the loss.

SAN BEDA ROARS PAST JRU

San Beda’s Yukien Andrada. –NCAA Photo

Earlier, San Beda strengthened its Final Four hopes with a 74-69 win against Jose Rizal University.

Now at 10-6, the Red Lions gained a much needed win as the playoff race heats up. The Heavy Bombers, meanwhile, dropped to 10-7 but are still in Final Four contention.

Yukien Andrada powered San Beda with a game-high 18 points while Jomel Puno and Jacob Cortez scored 13 and 12 in the victory. James Payosing provided the muscle with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.

JL Delos Santos’ all-around game of 15 points, six rebounds and six assists was put to waste while the troika of Shawn Argente (15), Joshua Guiab (10) and Ry Dela Rosa (10) combined for 35 points in the defeat.