Sun.Star Cebu

University of Perpetual Help Altas downs St. Benilde, claims last Final Four spot in NCAA men’s basketball

-

THE University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas booked the last ticket to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Final Four with a 76-64 victory over the College of St. Benilde Blazers on May 4 at the Filoil Flying V Center in Metro Manila.

Playing without ace forward Kim Aurin who’s out with the chickenpox, several Altas stepped up, including JP Boral, who scored all 11 of his points in the first half to put Perpetual Help in front.

John Abis led Perpetual Help with 14 points, Jielo Razon added 13 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while captain Jeff Egan also scored 13 markers to go with four boards and two assists.

It was a sweet victory for the Altas, who staved off eliminatio­n by winning four straight games.

Perpetual Help will face defending champion Letran in the Final Four on Sunday.

The other semis pairing pits No. 2 Mapua and No. 3 San Beda.

The loss extended the Blazers’ Final Four drought to 20 years. CSB, the fourth-ranked team in the eliminatio­ns, also lost to San Beda in the first playin last Sunday.

JC Cullar finished with 18 points while Will Gozum recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 boards for CSB.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines