MANILA – Rookie standout Mark Gojo Cruz shone once again, leading the University of Perpetual Help Altas to a 73-67 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday (21 Sept 2024) at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Cruz contributed across the board with 18 points, including two three-pointers, alongside six assists, five rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. The Altas’ win improved their record to 3-2, securing them a share of third place in the standings.
Supporting Cruz, Christian Pagaran posted 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Cedrick Abis added 11 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one block. Perpetual bounced back from an early deficit after trailing 18-21 at the end of the first quarter.
On the EAC side, King Gustiza paced the Generals with 17 points, eight rebounds, and two steals, followed by Gil Quinal with 16 points and Wilmar Oftana with 15 points, four rebounds, and three steals. The loss dropped the Generals to 2-3.
In another game, defending champions San Beda University dominated Jose Rizal University (JRU), winning 77-60 to tie Perpetual for third place. San Beda’s Yukien Andrada had a double-double performance with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists, while Bryan Sajonia and James Payosing contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Shawn Argente stood out for JRU, scoring a game-high 27 points, though his efforts weren’t enough to lift the Heavy Bombers from their sixth-place position at 1-4.
At the top of the standings, the undefeated College of Saint Benilde remains in first place with a 4-0 record, followed by Mapua University at 3-1.
Letran, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and Lyceum of the Philippines are tied for fourth place with identical 2-2 slates.
Meanwhile, Arellano University is still searching for its first win after four games.
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