Mark Gojo Cruz’s leadership pushed the University of Perpetual Help Daltas Altas to another big win, this time with a 73-61 repulsing of the Lyceum Pirates on Sunday in Season 101 of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at the FilOil Center.
Cruz went on to finish with 18 points for the Altas, who moved up in Group A with their second straight victory.
The 6’0” Gojo Cruz banged in eight as the Altas moved away from a 28-all deadlock and took control with a 16-2 run and a 44-30 spread in the second period.
“Hindi puwedeng maging complacent. Again, this is a young team. We have a lot to learn. Maganda ‘yung nadaanan namin ‘yung ganyan para we know what to do next time,” said Altas coach Olsen Racela.
Jearico Nunez added 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Altas.
In the junior side, veteran Jim Corpuz knocked in a double-double output and key baskets for the UPHSD Junior Altas in their 70-62 slamming of the Lyceum Junior Pirates.
While Corpuz came through in the clutch, Arkin Cristobal led the Junior Altas, posting 15 points, nine rebounds, and two steals
A holdover from last year’s team, the 18-year-old Corpuz struck with 14 points and 11 rebounds to go with five assists and two steals.
The defending champion Junior Altas picked up their second straight win in Group A.
Corpuz’s triple with Dom Rosales came as the Junior Altas moved away from a tight contest, 60-57, and took a nine-point edge, 66-57, with 2:12 left.
