Mark Gojo Cruz made quite the impression in his seniors debut, steering University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to a convincing 82-66 win over Jose Rizal University on Tuesday in the NCAA Season 100 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The rookie, who helped the Perpetual Junior Altas reach the finals of NCAA Season 99, led the Altas’ second half barrage as they gave head coach Olsen Racela a rousing debut with a 1-0 slate.
Veteran big man JP Boral erupted for a double-double showing of 17 markers and 10 boards while Gojo Cruz dropped an all-around outing of 15 points together with five rebounds, three assists, two steals.
The Heavy Bombers, who were tied with the Altas after the first half lost steam late to drop to 0-1.
"Of course I'm happy with the win, my first win this season pero it's part of our growth as a team," Racela said.
"We're learning. We're still adjusting sa isa't-isa, sa system, sila sa akin, ako sa kanila, and ako sa liga. I'm just happy na nakuha na namin 'yung first win and now we move forward after this."
The Altas, parading a new-look rebuilding squad, broke a 41-all halftime deadlock with Gojo Cruz and Shawn Orgo fueling a 7-0 run to open the third for a 48-41 lead. Boral and Emman Pizzaro then connived as they closed out the penultimate frame enjoying a 64-56 cushion.
Gojo Cruz converted back-to-back baskets that sent Perpetual to a 75-69 advantage before an Orgo layup allowed them to take a 20-point lead with 1:57 to go in the game, 80-60.
Christian Pagaran chipped in 11 points while Orgo and Pizzaro each tallied seven markers.
Joshua Guiab posted 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the losing cause for the Heavy Bombers.
The scores:
Perpetual 82 - Boral 17, Gojo Cruz 15, Pagaran 11, Orgo 7, Pizarro 7, Manuel 7, Gelsano 5, Montemayor 3, Abis 3, Cauguian 3, Nunez 2, Sevilla 2, Javier 0, Danag 0, Movida 0.
JRU 66 - Guiab 15, Barrera 10, Pangilinan 8, Lozano 7, Argente 5, Ramos 5, Panapanaan 4, De Leon 4, Samontanes 3, Raymundo 2, Mosqueda 2, Medina 1, Benitez 0, Sarmiento 0, Ferrer 0.
Quarters: 20-21, 41-41, 64-56, 82-66.
Watch:
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
