The Perpetual Junior Altas sealed a historic entry into the Final Four of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 Juniors’ Basketball Tournament after securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals on Sunday.
Coach Joph Cleopas’ boys crushed the San Sebastian Staglets by a score of 111-80 at the end of the elimination round to grab an 8-1 win loss record, earning them the top spot and twice-to-beat edge in the semifinals.
MVP frontrunner Amiel Acido led the way with a double-double of 23 points, 20 boards and 5 assists, while JD Pagulayan scored 25 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Three others posted double-digits for Perpetual, namely LeBron Daep with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks; Mark Gojo Cruz with 11 pts, 6 boards, 5 assists, 2 blocks and steal; and Aries with Borja has 11 points, 3 rebounds.
The game produced a pair of scoring feats as it set the most points scored in the game and the most scored in a quarter—a 45-point barrage in the third period—that sealed the Junior Altas their eighth win in nine outings, the no. 1 seed and the important semis bonus.
Most importantly, it pushed Perpetual closer to its ultimate goal—winning its breakthrough juniors crown.
“This is a good welcome to the upcoming celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of our school,” said team manager Anton Tamayo.
Now, the Junior Altas await their Final Four foe, which could possibly be the Stags, who dropped to No. 4 with a 6-3 record.
It was the second time that Junior Altas cagers entered the semis, with the first one coming in 2010 under coach Tonichi Pujante, with players Gelo Alolino, Joseph Ariobu, Mark Bitoy, Joel Brito, Flash Sadiwa and Axel Iñigo as his stalwarts.
The Junior Altas and the senior men’s team never won a basketball title since joining the league in 1985.
Meanwhile, the San Beda Red Cubs ended their campaign on a high note after defeating the Mapua Red Robins, 75-66, for a 6-3 record, the same with semifinalist San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
The Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers beat host Jose Rizal University, 63-47.
