THE University of Perpetual Help Altas overcame numerous turnovers and put away the College of St. Benilde Blazers in a protested 69-65 win yesterday at the Arena in San Juan.
Prince Eze scored five of his 11 point tally in the final stretches of the game to lift the Altas to their first win in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
Genmar Ylagan and Jonathan Yuhico added 12 points as the Altas joined the defending champion San Beda Red Lions and the Arellano University Chiefs in the early lead.
A displeased Blazers side placed the contest under protest after the Altas showed up wearing dark-colored uniforms, instead of the prescribed white ones.
Meanwhile, CJ Perez made his return to collegiate action a memorable one, hitting 22 points and hauling down 10 rebounds for the Lyceum Pirates in their 96-75 smashing of the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers.
Perez, who is back after leaving San Sebastian College three years ago to seek a spot with the Ateneo Blue Eagles, made 11 points in the final period as the Pirates took a 21-point edge at endgame.
The Pirates got off to a great start, battling turnovers and to move ahead, 27-18 in the first period, and moving away, 68-54, in the third.
“Our concern is our 23 turnovers, and free throws are a struggle. But, we’ll take this win,” said Pirates coach Topex Robinson.
Gab Dagangon led with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Altas, who finally fought to hold on to the lead in the last 48.3 seconds.
That was after Eze struck with a putback that put them on top for good, 66-65.
The Blazers then bungled two chances to score off rookie Unique Naboa’s attacks in the next play.
The Altas took advantage of this as Eze scored on a split free throws in the ensuing play, and in the lats 6.5 seconds,
This handed the Altas a four-point edge as time winded down.
“Nag-collapse din sila. First game kasi,” said Altas coach Jimwell Gican.
Action was delayed by 30 minutes as the management committee deliberated on commissioner Bai Cristobal’s decision to give the green light to the game and for both parties settle the issue on the uniforms after the game.
Kendrix Belgica made 16 points for the Blazers, who played with new coach TY Tang calling the shots.
In the junior division, the Lyceum Junior Pirates and the La Salle Greenhills Greenies turned back their respective foes.
Vincent Cunanan had 23 points for the Junior Pirates while Mclaude Guadana hit 19 points with John Barba as they turned back the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 94-87.
Guadana’s two triples in the 26.8 seconds handed the Junior Pirates a six point cushion.
Transferee Albert Bordeos made 14 points for the Greenies, including two winning charities as they repulsed the Junior Altas, 64-60.
Games Thursday
(at the Arellano University gym, Legarda)
2 p.m. Arellano vs San Sebastian (jrs)
4 p.m. Arellano vs San Sebastian (srs)