Nitura, Abis, Razon star vs PSP as Perpetual clinches D-League semis berth

Cyrus Nitura, John Abis, and Jielo Razon conspired to steer University of Perpetual Help System DALTA past the PSP Gymers, 97-90, and punch a semifinals ticket in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup on Tuesday at the Paco Arena.

Seasoned guard Razon completed a three-point play opportunity to make it a one-point lead for the ALTAs in the payoff period, 89-88, before Nitura stole the leather en route to a fastbreak layup for a crucial 91-88 cushion.

Nitura again drove for a bucket, 95-90, as Abis sank both his freebies to seal the win for Perpetual.

“Parang ‘di pang-quarterfinals ‘yung laro namin nung una pero 'di kami pwedeng ‘di manalo ngayon after our pep talk with our school owner,” said coach Myk Saguiguit, referring to Dr. Antonio Tamayo’s encouraging words that fired up his wards.

“It’s our first time in the D-League semifinals after three stints. It’s our first time to reach this feat so sana maging maganda.”

("We weren't playing like it was the quarterfinals at the beginning but we couldn't allow ourselves to lose today after our pep talk with our school owner... It’s our first time in the D-League semifinals after three stints. It’s our first time to reach this feat so I hope it goes well.")

Nitura finished with a team-high 20 points laced with five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block while Abis dropped 19 markers, six boards, four dimes, and three rejections.

Razon chimed in with 18 points off the bench together with four rebounds.

Perpetual, though, won't have an easy task moving forward as the Las Piñas squad will slug it out against reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle in a best-of-three affair in the semifinals.

Wendell Comboy led the charge for PSP with 26 points while Jayvee Dela Cruz had 15 markers, six assists, and two rebounds in the loss.

The scores:

Perpetual 97 – Nitura 20, Abis 19, Razo 18, Boral 15, Roque 13, Ferreras 7, Ramirez 5, Pagaran 0, Barcuma 0, Nunez 0, Sevilla 0.

PSP 90 – Comboy 26, Dela Cruz 15, Yutuc 14, Bayla 10, Olegario 8, Acuña 5,  Velchez 4, Mohammad 4, Meneses 2, Sumagaysay 2, Castillo 0.

Quarters: 27-27, 57-47, 68-73, 97-90.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News