Christian Pagaran and Marcus Nitura came up with productive games on Tuesday to lift the University of Perpetual Help Altas to a 72-61 stopping of the Arellano University Chiefs in the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Pagaran’s better than average shooting led to a game-high 21 points for the Altas, who pulled off their sixth win in 13 games.
Nitura, who finished with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, after being allowed to play for 26 minutes, struck with seven points during a decisive first period run for the Altas.
Mark Omega addd 10 points for the Altas, who kept their Final Four semifinal hopes alive with their second consecutive win.
“Buhay pa, humihinga pa. Good win for us, magandang motivation going up against San Beda on Friday. We just enjoy the moment, paglabas namin ng Filoil, focused na ulit against Beda,” said Altas coach Myk Saguiguit.
Jeadan Ongotan unloaded 16 points for the Chiefs, who were eased out of contention for the Final Four playoff with their third straight loss in a 2-11 slate.
The Altas, who drew 10 points from Mark Omega, are behind the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, who have a 7-6 card in fourth place.
The 6’4” Nitura, who made up for an error-prone performance in his previous game when he played for less than four minutes, took charge in the first canto, making 10 points along the way, and his layup with 5:38 left pushed the Altas ahead by 11, 14-3, as they set the tone of the rout.
The 6’0” Pagaran, who norms 12.5 points per game, banged in 10 points in the second period, with his jumper in the remaining 2:02 sending the Altas to 40-26 edge.
Lorenz Capulong contributed a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Chiefs, who became the second squad to be eliminated next to the defending champion Letran Knights.