The University of Perpetual Help Dalta Altas found themselves in a familiar situation — but this time, they made sure history didn’t repeat itself.
The Altas turned in a composed and determined performance to notch their third straight win, toppling defending champion Mapua University, 75-65, in the 101st NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the FilOil Arena in San Juan.
John Boral led the way with 15 points as the Altas posted their best start in years. Head coach Olsen Racela couldn’t hide his satisfaction with how his team handled the challenge.
“We’re now 3-0. Better start than 2-0 last year. We were actually in the same situation last year when we lost to Mapua,” Racela said. “I told them I didn’t want a repeat of what happened then.”
That loss—a 65-71 setback—was fresh in the Altas’ memory, but this time they flipped the script to seize the solo lead in Group A, leaving the Cardinals behind at 2-1.
Boral came up big in the final frame, pouring in eight points, including a triple and two free throws, as the Altas broke away from a 65-all deadlock with a 10-point closing run.
Mapua struggled to find its rhythm down the stretch, hitting only four of 17 shots and missing all six of its three-point attempts in the fourth quarter.
“It just so happened we faced the defending champions today,” Racela said. “But I really liked our defensive effort in the second half.”
JC Recto paced the Cardinals with 16 points, scoring half of them in the final 10 minutes.
Earlier, the Mapua Red Robins pulled off a similar feat in the juniors division, handing the defending champion Perpetual Junior Altas their first loss.
Kean Dungca tallied 13 points, four rebounds, a steal, and a block, while Froilan Reyes added 11 points to steer the Red Robins to a 2-1 record in Group A.
With the game tied at 55-all, Gabriel Mercado and Chris Parame combined for an eight-point burst that gave Mapua control, 63-55, with 6:35 remaining.
Hanz Llupar finished with 20 points for the Junior Altas, while Ezekiel Zamoras contributed 15 in a losing effort.
