The University of Perpetual Help Altas weathered a late rally and needed two triples from rookie Jielo Razon to pull off a 78-72 triumph over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers yesterday at the FilOil-Flying Sports Center in the San Juan.
With the count tied at 72-all, Razon unloaded his treys in the last 1:13 and 38 seconds, sending the Altas to their fourth win in six games in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
“Wala kaming easy win. Lahat puro close wins. But a win is a win,” said Altas coach Frankie Lim.
With Edgar Charcos making a game-high 25 points, the Altas moved to third spot next to the Letran Knights.
Earlier, College of St. Benilde leaned on JJ Domingo’s season-best effort of 22 points and smothered Emilio Aguinaldo College, 84-71, for its third win against four defeats.
In the junior division, the La Salle Greenhills Greenies struck hard in the first half behind efforts from RC Calimag, Inand Fornilos and Kobe Palencia to put away the EAC-ICA Brigadiers, 103-71.
Fornilos led with 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Greenies, who moved to the solo lead with their 7-1 win-loss slate.
Calimag had 12 points with Joshua David, including seven in the first period as the Greenies quickly took control, 25-14, while Fornilos and Palencia combined for 12 points to lead LSGH to a 49-34 halftime spread.
Jose Rizal University, behind John Amores and Gab Baluyot, outplayed the UPHSD Junior Altas, 84-72.
This had the JRU Light Bombers improving to third at 5-3, while the Junior Altas fell behind at 4-3.
The Altas will try extend their winning streak to three on Thursday when they meet the Mapua Cardinals at 2 p.m.