Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1) – The Perpetual Help Altas imposed their will to win in the final period to eliminate the Arellano University Chiefs, 59-52, in the NCAA Season 97 play-in tournament on Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Kim Aurin stepped up anew for the Altas with 16 points and five rebounds, while Jielo Razon displayed an all-around outing with 10 markers, six boards, and six assists.
“Mas ginusto talaga namin manalo. Pagod talaga kami, pero tinanggal namin sa isip namin na pagod kami. Isang araw lang pahinga namin, nag-training pa kami,” Razon said after the game.
[Translation: We really tried to win. We were tired but we dismissed the thought that we were exhausted. We only had a one-day rest, then we also had our training.]
It was a sweet win for the squad handled by rookie head coach Myk Saguiguit who has now survived two knockout games — the first was their last eliminations game against Emilio Aguinaldo College last Friday for the final play-in spot.
Both squads engaged in a tight battle in the first three quarters, with an exciting exchange of leads backed by tough defensive hustle worthy of a true knockout game.
But Arellano’s gas ran out in the fourth canto as Perpetual guards Razon and Aurin worked hard to get the crucial baskets for the young squad.
The Altas defense also forced the Chiefs to miss easy shots down the stretch as they limited Arellano to only nine points in the final quarter.
Chiefs versatile big man and leading Most Valuable Player award candidate Justin Arana wrapped up his collegiate career with nine points and 17 rebounds. Jordan Sta. Ana was the lone double digit scorer for Arellano with 12 markers.
The Altas will have another knockout game on Wednesday as they are set to tangle with College of St. Benilde Blazers, who lost to the San Beda University Red Lions in the first play-in game for the last Final Four ticket in NCAA Season 97.
The Scores:
PERPETUAL 59 – Aurin 16, Razon 10, Martel 10, Omega 8, Pagaran 7, Barcuma 6, Egan 2, Abis 0, Cuevas 0, Nunez 0, Sevilla 0.
ARELLANO 52 – Sta. Ana 12, Arana 9, Concepcion 8, Sablan 7, Cruz 5, Oliva 4, Caballero 2, Valencia 2, Doromal 2, Steinl 1, Carandang 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 13-14, 25-24, 44-43, 59-52.
