Manila: Rookie Mark Gojo Cruz displayed brilliant form anew to lead University of Perpetual Help to a 73-67 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 men’s basketball at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday.
Gojo finished with 18 points, including two triples, and produced six assists, five rebounds, three blocks and two steals as the Altas improved their record to 3-2 for third place.
Christian Pagaran contributed 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists; while Cedrick Abis had 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block for Perpetual, which trailed 18-21 at the end of the first quarter.
King Gustiza led the Generals with 17 points, eight rebounds and two steals; followed by Gil Quinal with 16 points and five rebounds; and Wilmar Oftana with 15 points, four rebounds and three steals.
In the other game, defending champion San Beda University clobbered Jose Rizal University, 77-60.
Yukien Andrada came up with 16 poin
ts, 10 rebounds and three assists as the Red Lions shared third spot with the Altas.
Bryan Sajonia scored 14 points while James Payosing and Jomel Puno added 13 points apiece for San Beda.
Shawn Argente scored 27 points for the Heavy Bombers, who are in sixth place with a 1-4 slate.
Unbeaten College of Saint Benilde is on top of the standings at 4-0 followed by Mapua University with three wins against one loss.
Letran, San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Lyceum of the Philippines are tied in fourth place at 2-2 followed by the EAC Generals (2-3).
Arellano University is winless in four outings.
Source: Philippines News Agency