Perpetual Help defeated Lyceum in a one-sided game to seal the no. 1 ranking and twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals with a score of 72-57 in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Sunday.
Coach Olsen Racela’s players worked together to notch their 9th win in 13 outings, securing the top spot in Group A, while the Pirates dropped to 3 wins and 10 losses.
Mark Derick Gojo Cruz led the way with a game-high 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, while John Paul Boral, John Abis, and center JM Tulabut contributed 9 points apiece as the Altas snapped a three-game skid.
The Las Piñas City-based squad did not allow coach Gilbert Malabanan’s players to dominate the game from the 1st quarter until the end, expanding their lead to 23 points, 70-47, in the 4th quarter.
“Masaya ako na nakabalik kami sa panalo, bago pumasok ang quarterfinals, para mataas ang morale ng mga bata entering the next round,” said Racela.
The Altas are waiting for the final standings in the quarterfinal pairings, where the No. 1 and No. 2 teams of both Groups A and B hold the twice-to-beat advantage.
The Altas and the San Beda University Red Lions are already assured of a twice-to-beat advantage in the QF with records of 8-4 and 8-3, respectively.
Meanwhile, the No. 4 and 5 teams in Group A (LPU and SSCR) and JRU vs EAC in Group B are already assured of a play-in match.
It was Perpetual’s best start in two decades, the last being in Season 80 when they were ranked No. 1 and competed in the Finals against PCU.
