Games on Tuesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
8:30 a.m. – SSC-R vs AU (jrs/srs)
2:30 p.m. – JRU vs EAC (srs/jrs)
UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) drew strength from Mark Gojo Cruz and its rock-solid interior defense as it turned back Lyceum of the Philippines University, 73-61, on Sunday and claimed a piece of the lead in NCAA Season 101 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
Mr. Gojo Cruz, a sophomore gunner who is a product of the school’s high school program, erupted for 18 points including 12 in the second quarter when the Altas turned a shaky one-point edge into a double-digit lead that they nursed until the end.
It also helped that UPHSD dominated the boards, 48-34, and defended the interior solidly.
It was the second win in a row for the Las Piñas-based dribblers, who have joined the back-to-back title-seeking Mapua Cardinals at the helm.
“I’m conditioning my mind that even though I’m just a sophomore, I still have to lead,” said Mr. Gojo Cruz, who spiked his strong scoring game with four rebounds, the same number of assists and three steals.
The Baliwag, Bulacan native had also made a conscious effort to improve on his defense.
“My goal is really to be more refined defensively, my scoring will just be bonus,” he said.
Mr. Gojo Cruz also gave credit to the arrival of veteran transferee Patrick Sleat, who has taken some of the defense away from the latter with his penchant to create shots and orchestrate plays.
“He (Mr. Sleat) really helped me a lot because he’s so good on one-on-ones that it’s now easier for me to create,” said Mr. Gojo Cruz.
It was the Pirates’ second straight setback.
In the other game, San Beda grabbed its second straight triumph and share of the top spot after blasting bitter rival Letran, 68-58.
The Knights slipped to 0-2. — Joey Villar
The scores:
First Game
UPHSD 73 – Gojo Cruz 18, Nuñez 13, Orgo 9, Sleat 9, Boral 8, Abis 6, Maglupay 4, Tulabut 4, Gelsano 2, Alcantara 0, Casinilio 0, Duremdes 0, Roluna 0
LPU 61 – Villegas 18, Montaño 11, Daileg 9, Peñafiel 8, Versoza 6, Aurige 4, Gordon 3, Moralejo 2, Barba 0, Aviles 0, Pallingayan 0, Matienzo 0, Casiño 0, Paulo 0
Quarterscores: 21-20; 46-34; 59-43; 73-61
Second Game
San Beda 68– Miller 22, Sajonia 11, Lina 6, Reyes 6, Gonzales 5, Celzo 5, Etulle 4, Estacio 3, Puno 2, Bonzalida 2, Culdora 2, Songcuya 0, Jalbuena 0
Letran 58 – Manalili 13, Cuajao 10, Rosilio 7, Buensalida 6, Estrada 5, Omega 5, Santos 4, Roque 4, Tapenio 3, Gazzingan 1, Gammad 0
Quarterscores: 22-18; 37-34; 53-45; 68-58