Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 29) – Kim Aurin drops all of his 20 points in the first half as the Perpetual Help Altas posted a big opening game win against Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 77-56, in NCAA Season 97 on Tuesday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Aurin spearheaded the big offensive attack in the first half for the Altas as they built a 26-9 lead after the first quarter and stretched it to 43-25 at halftime.
In the second half, Perpetual continued their balanced performance offensively and defensively and got a big boost from the squad’s bench players with their lead ballooning to as high as 26 points in the third canto.
Jeff Egan also made a huge impact for the Altas with 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists as he only missed one of his total six field goals in the match.
Jielo Razon added 13 markers, five boards, and six dimes for the opening game victory of the Myk Saguiguit-coached team.
“I told the boys during halftime that we must play consistently in the next quarters for us to clinch this first win. I urged them to get our first win since there’s no basketball for two years. They worked hard for this win,” said Saguiguit, who emerged victorious in his coaching debut in the NCAA.
Perpetual showed their offensive dominance with a superior 45.7% total field goal shooting, than JRU’s lowly 23.8% clip.
The Altas also gained an edge in total team assists (25-4), blocks (7-3), fastbreak points (17-8), and bench points (31-11).
John Delos Santos top-scored for the Heavy Bombers with 17 points, while Jason Celis chipped in 11 markers.
The Scores:
PERPETUAL 77 – Aurin 20, Egan 14, Razon 13, Abis 6, Pagaran 5, Omega 4, Nunez 3, Cuevas 2, Sevilla 2, Barcuma 2, Boral 2, Martel 2, Movida, Kawamura 0, Ferreras 0
JRU 56 – Delos Santos 17, Celis 11, Bongay 8, Agbong 7, Arenal 7, Estrella 3, Dionisio 2, Jungco 1, Macatangay 0, Aguilar 0, Guiab 0, Dela Rama 0, Gonzales 0
Quarterscores: 26-9, 43-25, 64-38, 77-56
