University of Perpetual Help System made short work of Jose Rizal University, 77-56, to earn its first win of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Coach Myk Saguiguit, who took over from Frankie Lim during the hiatus, was surprised with the way the Altas performed in their season opener.
“Hindi ko rin ine-expect ‘yung naging resulta ng game. Siguro ‘yung excitement lang ng mga bata kasi for two years, hindi nakapaglaro ng basketball so ito ‘yung chance nila kaya ang ganda ng nangyari sa amin,” said Saguiguit.
“Players’ effort siya. Ang naging sikreto nito ay ‘yung relasyon nila, relasyon ng players, relasyon ng coaches,” he added.
Veteran Kim Aurin came through with 20 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Jeff Egan finally made his debut for Perpetual with 14 points, five boards and five assists.
Second-year Jielo Razon was solid in orchestrating plays for the Altas with 13 points, six assists and five rebounds. He had a game-high +27 efficiency inside the court.
Saguiguit hopes that Perpetual will get better as the tournament wears on.
“On the outlook of the team moving forward – kumbaga itong short season natin, every game counts, every win counts talaga. Kaso ang struggle dito ay ‘yung pahinga kasi sunod-sunod ‘yung mga games namin,” said Saguiguit.
JM Delos Santos led the Bombers with 17 points, six rebounds and four steals while rookie Jason Celis added 11 markers.
The scores:
First Game
Perpetual (77) — Aurin 20, Egan 14, Razon 13, Abis 6, Pagaran 5, Omega 4, Nunez 3, Cuevas 2, Sevilla 2, Barcuma 2, Boral 2, Martel 2, Movida 2, Kawamura 0, Ferreras 0.
JRU (56) — Delos Santos 17, Celis 11, Bongay 8, Agbong 7, Arenal 7, Estrella 3, Dionisio 2, Jungco 1, Macatangay 0, Aguilar 0, Guiab 0, Dela Rama 0, Gonzales 0.
Quarterscores: 26-9, 43-25, 64-38, 77-56