Altas soar in opener; SSC wins

Here’s one reason why opposing teams should watch out for University of Perpetual Help-Rizal.

Getting a big lift from veteran Marcel Cuenco in the homestretch, the Perpetual Help Altas repulsed the St. Benilde Blazers, 76-69, yesterday at the start of the 79th NCAA basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

Cuenco, a Pampanga native now on his third year with Perpetual Help, stepped up when his teammates wavered in the final 1:34 of play, hitting five crucial foul shots to fend off a furious rally by the Blazers.

"Ako kasi ang pinaka-beterano sa team kaya nung nakikita kong natataranta yung mga teammates ko, ako na yung nag-step up," said the 22-year-old Cuenco.

"Sabi ko sa players ko nung humahabol na ang kalaban kailangan may mag-take charge," said UPHR coach Bai Cristobal. "Hindi na ako na-surprise nung si Marcel na ang nag-step up."

The duo of Dom Javier and prized new recruit Khiel Misa provided the initial spark for the Altas, who set out for the match, their morale boosted by their title conquest in the Ambrocio Padilla Cup.

Javier and Misa, a transferee out of Olivarez College, combined for 28 points in the first half, setting up a torrid pace that had Perpetual carrying a 41-30 advantage into the last two quarters.

But the two suffered cramps in the third quarter and couldn’t do anything as the Blazers staged a rally.

With Javier and Misa rooted on the bench, another neophyte Robert Lee Bamson kept the Altas afloat, 66-48, with key hits in the shaded area.

That was before Ronald Capati, Paolo Orbela and Al Magpayo spearheaded a 21-2 attack that gave the Blazers a 69-68 edge with less than two minutes to go.

But Cuenco came to Perpetual’s rescue, nailing five charities to seal the win.

A lavish opening ceremony highlighted by colorful production numbers and a traditional parade of colors ushered in Season 79 of the NCAA.

This year’s NCAA president Rev. Fr. Herman Omecillo, OAR, and Management Committee chairman Frank Gusi, both of San Sebastian College, declared the tournament open with San Sebastian alumnus Rey Gamboa attending as special guest.