Prolific forward Mark Gallano came into the picture in the final minute and bailed the University of the Perpetual Help Junior Altas out of trouble.
After the Junior Altas lost a 10-point lead, the 6’2” Gallano hit four charities to lift Perpetual Help to a 82-78 triumph over Lyceum Friday in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center.
“I was working on less turnovers during practices and on my free throws as well. I stayed focused with my game,” said Gallano, who went on to lead the Junior Altas to their third triumph in four matches.
Gallano finished with 18 points as stepped up right after the Junior Pirates rallied from 10 points down in the last 1:10.
The Junior Pirates, with McLaude Guadana leading with 26 points, took a 7-0 run in the final minute, which Matthew Ragasa capped with a triple.
Lyceum threatened at 75-78, but Gallano sank two charities in the last 10 seconds off Nat Tulabut’s fouls to restore the Junior Altas, five-point edge, 80-75.
Refusing to give up, the Junior Pirates stayed in the fight as Guadana unloaded a trey, 78-80, with six ticks left.
But Gallano struck for two more charities with five ticks to go following a quick foul by Joshua Jugar.
“Sa dulo kami umasa sa free throws. I gave some of my second unit exposure playing time. But they were not able to execute in the game. That’s why Lyceum rallied,” said Junior Altas coach Myke Saguiguit.
With the win, the Junior Altas moved to a share of second spot with the Arellano University Braves.
Earlier, the San Sebastian Staglets outrebounded the EAC-ICA Brigadiers and struck with their outside shots to post a 78-71 win, with Milo Janao top-scoring for 30 points. “‹