University of Perpetual Help System Dalta scored an emphatic 84-60 win over Jose Rizal University yesterday to set its title bid in motion in Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association men's basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
From a hairline 37-36 lead at halftime, the Altas took a 53-43 spread with four minutes remaining before the end of the third frame and never looked back.
"The team managed to loosen up when we entered the dugout at halftime. I just pointed the whiteboard to them and told them to just follow our game plan and don't relax. The first half is done, let's get down to business," said Myk Saguiguit, who is in his second year as the head coach of the Altas.
The win augured well for the Altas, who surprisingly made the Final Four the previous season.
The Altas even raced to an 84-58 advantage with 1:10 left in the clock after Marcus Nitura scored on a layup.
While University of Perpetual Help sparked on offence, defense also had a crucial role in their victory.
The Heavy Bombers were forced to commit 30 turnovers, something the Altas pounced on by making 23 points off these errors.
The Altas' bench also contributed 49 points led by Rey Barcuma, who waxed hot with 22 points from a 10-of-11 shooting clip.
Jielo Razon added 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists for Perpetual Help while Mark Omega flirted with a double-double with 13 points and nine boards.
Jonathan Medina led JRU with 15 points and six boards as it absorbed its first loss of the season and its fourth-straight defeat stretching back to Season 97.
In the second game, College of Saint Benilde crushed Lyceum of the Philippines University, 86-69.
Robi Nayve led the Blazers with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists while Miguel Oczon scored 13.
JM Bravo had 12 points for the Pirates.
