The Perpetual Junior Altas, seeded at the top, are on the cusp of securing a historic first Finals appearance in the NCAA as they go head-to-head against the fourth-seeded Malayan School (Mapua) on Sunday.
This clash is set to be the Final Four match of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 Juniors Basketball Tournament, taking place at the FilOil EcoOil Center in Barangay Corazon de Jesus, San Juan City.
Coach Joph Cleopas and his Las Piñas squad aim to clinch a two-game sweep in Game-One, marking their inaugural entry into the Finals since their tournament debut in 1984. Meanwhile, the defending champions, Letran Squires, also harbor aspirations of wrapping up the series early to prepare for the Finals.
Having navigated the challenges of the elimination round with an impressive 8-1 record, the Perpetual Junior Altas, owned by Dr. Tony Tamayo, face a formidable hurdle in securing their first Finals appearance in 40 years within the league.
“In preparation, we will revisit our fundamentals, bolster our mental fortitude for the game, stay grounded, and give our 100 percent on the court,” remarked Coach Joph Cleopas during an interview.
“We’ve returned to our roots, focusing on conditioning, skill improvement, and refining our systems, especially on defense. I believe we can achieve success in this game,” Cleopas added.
Cleopas will lean on key players such as MVP contender Amiel Acido, boasting an impressive record of 17.6 points, 10 boards, and 4.1 assists per game in the elimination round. Supporting him are JD Pagulayan, Mark Gojo Cruz, center Lebron Daep, and point guards Regie Ayon, Icee Callangan, and Jamal Diaz, all pivotal to the team’s success.
Facing the challenge are Coach Yong Garcia’s players, including Lawrence Mangub at, Sean Salvador, Jonalance Masiglat, Nico Mulingtapang, and Aki Valina, who secured a narrow victory of 72-71 over the Junior Altas on February 25, 2024, marking the sole loss for the Perpetual team this season.
In the quest for victory, coach Allen Ricardo’s Intramuros squad will rely on players like Moses Manalili, Jovel Baliling, Jolo Navarro, Daniel Padilla, George Diamante, and Justine Hugo. Meanwhile, Coach Juan Miguel Martin’s Staglets will look to Jhun Penaverde, Ruvic Danag, Kit Bonus, Rion Porcadas, Ben Jimenez, and Angelo Herrera.
The Junior Altas secured the top spot in the tournament by triumphing over eight of the nine competing teams in the elimination round, earning them the coveted twice-to-beat advantage in the semis. Defending champions Letran Squires clinched the No. 2 spot with a 7-2 win-loss record, with both losses against Perpetual and San Beda Red Cubs.
This marks the first-ever Final Four appearance for the Las Piñas City-based squad in NCAA Season 86, featuring notable players like Gelo Alolino, Joseph Eriobu, Axel Inigo, Joel Brito, Flash Sadiwa, Topher Negranza, Mark Bitoy, John Palisoc, Joville Garcia, Christian Pascual, Joseph Bitoon, and Vince Alegre. Unfortunately, they fell short against the No. 2 seed SSCR with a score of 76-87.
The winner of the semifinals will progress to the Best-of-Three Championship series, commencing with Game 1 on March 16, followed by Game 2 on March 20, and concluding with Game 3 on March 23.