The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta picked up its second straight win at the expense of defending champion Letran College, 74-59, in Season 99 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan yesterday.
Art Roque dropped a double-double game of 22 points and 11 rebounds as the Altas improved to a 3-4 win-loss record.
Roque’s triple with three minutes and 50 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter capped a 12-2 run to establish a comfortable 63-49 lead for Perpetual.
A layup by Shawn Orgo with 36 seconds remaining gave the Altas their biggest lead of the game at 18 points, 72-54.
Not only was this Perpetual’s second consecutive victory, but this was also the Knights’ worst start in the NCAA in the Final Four era, eclipsing the 2-5 start it had in 2014.
The Altas fired 12 triples against Letran and head coach Myk Saguiguit said the team’s willingness to pass allowed the players to find better shots.
“Going here, I just told them we just scored 20 points more than we did in our 64-50 win against San Sebastian and we will have a chance against Letran,” Saguiguit said.
“I always motivate the players. I told them whoever has the ball needs to be a willing passer. Create and make a good pass.”
Jielo Razon and Christian Pagaran both scored 12 points for the Altas.
Deo Cuajao led Letran with 15 points as the Knights have yet to win a match under head coach Rensy Bajar.
In the first game, San Sebastian opened the day with an 86-70 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College.
