Mark Gallano knocked in 20 points and sank three winning charities at endgame to power the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas to a 70-64 overtime victory over the San Sebastian Staglets yesterday at their own homecourt at the UPHSD-Las Pinas gym.
The 6’2” forward first scored on a split free three throw in the last 15.4 seconds, and this contributed to the Junior Altas’ fourth win in five games in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament.
His next two charities in the last 4.6 seconds, off Davo Balo’s foul, finalized the count and allowed the Junior Altas to move to a share of second spot with the Arellano Braves.
“Sa wakas, nakalusot na rin kami sa aming home court,” said Junior Altas coach Myk Saguiguit, who recalled their loss to the San Beda Red Cubs last season.
Kean Baclaan drilled in 17 points for the Staglets, who now have a 3-5 win-loss slate.
The game went into overtime when Miguel Bonalos drove past Gallano in the last 7.8 seconds of regulation, 60-all.
The Junior Altas were enjoying a 60-54 edge when the Staglets started rallying, with Bonalos starting off a 6-0 run with his layup off JP Timbacaya’s pass.
Emman Galman made 18 points, with his two charities in the last 2:56 giving the Junior Altas a six-point lead.
Meanwhile, the defending champion San Beda Red Lions will try to remain unbeaten when the clash with the Letran Knights at 4 p.m. today at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center in San Juan.
The Red Lions are seeking their fifth straight victory when they battle the Knights.