University of Perpetual Help System DALTA bucked a slow start to deny Jose Rizal University, 84-60, on Sunday in the NCAA Season 98 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Rey Joey Barcuma led the way with a career-high 22 points on 10-for-11 shooting from the field and four steals for the Altas, who picked up from where they left off of last year's impressive Final Four run.
Jielo Razon and Mark Omega added 13 points apiece for Perpetual.
JRU stepped on the gas early with new guys Joshua Guiab and Jonathan Medina showing the way as the Heavy Bombers led throughout the first quarter, which ended with them up, 21-12.
But Perpetual turned things around in the second frame, igniting for a 10-2 run to equalize the match at 24 before a Lean Martel basket brought them up by four, 35-31.
The Altas proceeded to the break holding on to a 37-36 cushion after outscoring the Heavy Bombers, 25 to 15.
It became a one-sided affair since then with the graduating Kim Aurin showing off his wares as Perpetual cruised to a 57-43 advantage late in the third before ending the period at 65-51. Aurin scored all seven of his points in the third period alone.
JP Boral then put the punctuation, soaring high for a one-handed slam to give Perpetual a comfortable 74-55 lead with 7:16 left to play.
Perpetual will take on Arellano University on Friday while JRU clashed with Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Wednesday.
—JMB, GMA News
