NCAA: Perpetual stays unbeaten, Letran gets first win under new coach

Perpetual Help’s Mark Gojo Cruz. -NCAA Photo

MANILA, Philippines—Perpetual Help remained unblemished after two games in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament after squeaking past Arellano, 69-67, at San Juan Arena on Friday.

The Altas were staring at a three-point disadvantage in the waning moments of the fourth quarter, 65-62, before they turned to their old reliables for the escape act.

Christian Pagaran split two free throws after being hacked in the paint to bring Perpetual Help closer, 65-63, but JP Boral was right there to clean up the mess for a tip that tied the game at 65-all with 1:23 to go.

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Boral, who finished with 11 points and four rebounds, would double down on his fourth quarter heroics by hitting the go-ahead three that ultimately sealed the dub, 68-65, with 48.3 ticks remaining in the game,

The Altas’ star rookie Mark Gojo Cruz came up big anew as he topscored with 20 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists while Pagaran finished with 10 points and three rebounds en route to the squad’s blazing 2-0 start.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, remained winless after two games but not without Cyril Hernal’s double-double efforts of 10 points and 12 rebounds and Jerico Camay’s 12-point outing.

Letran gets first win under Allen Ricardo

Letran’s Sherick Estrada. -NCAA Photo

Coach Allen Ricardo finally got his first win in the league’s men’s division after Letran zoomed past Jose Rizal University, 70-62.

With a new coach comes the ushering of a new star with rookie Sherick Estrada finishing just a rebound shy of a double-double with 22 points and nine rebounds.

READ: NCAA: Dealing with roster woes, Letran tempers expectations

James Miller also helped facilitate the Knights’ offense with 16 points and five assists as Letran improved to a 1-1 card.

Shawn Argente exploded for 18 points built on four buckets from beyond the arc but to no avail as the Heavy Bombers stayed without a win after two outings at 0-2.

The Knights look to start a winning streak on Tuesday when they face the Chiefs at the same venue.