Rookie Mark Gojo Cruz starred anew as University of Perpetual Help System DALTA averted collapse against Arellano University, 69-67, on Friday in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
In just his second game in the seniors division, Gojo Cruz posted 20 points, 13 of which came from the third quarter alone, to help in the Altas notch their second win.
The Altas were leading 60-54 before back-to-back baskets from Arellano's Cyril Hernal and Greg Borromeo cut their deficit to within two. JP Boral gave enough breathing room to the Altas but the Chiefs made a 7-0 to reclaim the lead, 65-62.
Boral's layup and triple almost handed the win to the Altas, but a bad pass from Gojo Cruz had the ball end up in Jerico Camay's hands which eventually found its way to Greg Borromeo and put Arellano within one.
Hernal had the chance to reclaim the lead from the free throw line but missed both attempts. Axel Manuel's split sealed the deal for the Altas.
"I'm expecting these kinds of games in the NCAA. Lahat ng games ganito eh, so kailangan we had to grind out a win," head coach Olsen Racela said.
"Winning right now is secondary. Gusto ko matuto 'yung players sa ginagawa namin, learn the system and everything. Bonus na lang na 2-0 kami," Racela said, adding that they have yet to face title contenders, including Mapua University which they will face on Sunday.
"We'll see what we can do on Sunday."
Aside from Gojo's heroics in the third, he also had three rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while JP Boral and Christian Pagaran had 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Camay had 12 points, while Hernal's double-double performance of 12 rebounds and 10 points was spoiled as the Chiefs slipped to 0-2.
Arellano will go against Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Tuesday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
