There weren't a lot of people picking University of Perpetual Help System DALTA for the Final Four, especially early in the season with favorites like Colegio de San Juan de Letran and San Beda University throwing their weight around as contenders.
The Altas, though, proved that they belong in that prestigious company as they eliminated De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in a do-or-die play-in game on Wednesday that formalized their ticket to the semifinals.
That challenge to make their names known was exactly their motivation heading into their game versus the Blazers, with the Las Piñas school out to prove they can be a threat to other teams.
"Sobrang blessed [kasi] kumbaga 'di naman namin inakala ito eh," said Perpetual coach Mike Saguiguit after their 76-64 victory.
"Una nga, akala namin nung start ng Season 97, wala namang Perpetual na pinag-uusapan. Sabi ko sa mga bata, chinallenge ko, pakilala naman tayo kahit papaano [ay] maramdaman ng NCAA na kasali tayo."
His wards responded to his call.
Despite some struggles early in the season, the Altas have gone 3-for-3 in consecutive knockout games, including their last elimination round game against EAC and two play-in games against Arellano and CSB.
Against the Blazers, Perpetual was simply dominant with Jielo Razon leading the pack with an impressive double-double of 13 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists as they got through the win despite the absence of star player Kim Aurin.
Aside from Razon, John Abis also showed up for the Altas after he churned out a team-high 14 markers, five boards, five assists, and a block while Jef Egan chipped in 13 points, four rebounds, and two dimes.
The Perpetual bench also proved a thorn in the side of CSB as their second and third groups produced 42 points against Benilde's 22.
"Nag-respond naman sila. Iyan, sobrang sarap ng panalo namin at kung 'di dahil sa Kanya, sa taas, it wouldn't be possible kaya du'n talaga ako nagpapasalamat. At sa team ko, grabe yung tinrabaho nila."
And Saguiguit said it's all about the team buying into the system and believing in it.
"Ang nakakatuwa lang kanina they embraced the system, kumbaga kung ano 'yung pinag-usapan namin, kung ano 'yung ginawa namin sa practice, iyon talaga 'yung lumabas," the mentor said.
"So natutuwa ako sa mga bata kasi gusto talaga nilang manalo."
—JMB, GMA News
