Altas back on track, stun Stags

University of Perpetual Help Dalta System (UPHDS) finally ended its skid by pulling the rug from under erstwhile leader San Sebastian College, 70-65, yesterday in the 80th NCAA basketball tournament at the Makati Coliseum.

Dom Javier scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out nine assists in an almost non-relief performance for the undermanned Altas, who tied their victims at second place with identical 7-4 win-loss cards.

With backup point guard Dean Apor helpless at ringside, serving a one-game suspension for punching Letran’s Frederick Rodriguez, and three reserves sitting out due to injuries, Perpetual relied on its resiliency and steadiness down the stretch to put an end to its three-game losing streak.

Meanwhile, commissioner Ricky Palou yesterday said the NCAA management committee (Mancom) has no plans of recalling the suspension it imposed on Letran’s Rodriguez despite a strongly-worded appeal from lawyers representing the school.

The lawyers want an immediate recall of the suspension of Rodriguez who figured in a scuffle with Apor last week. Both players were suspended one game with Rodriguez to sit out Letran’s game tomorrow.

"The suspension will remain. Desidido ang Mancom," Palou said.

Apor’s absence forced Javier to play 39 minutes and man the point at times, limiting his scoring, but creating more offensive opportunities for his teammates.

Robert Barnson and Marcel Cuenco held their own against the bigger, deeper and more talented San Sebastian frontline, combining for 25 markers and 22 boards, besides providing solid defense for the host school.Coming off a five-game winning spree, the Stags appeared on their way to gaining win No. 6 as they turned a slim 31-29 halftime lead into a 41-31 bulge, capped by a spectacular Leo Najorda breakaway slam four minutes into the third quarter.

However, the Altas fought back into the game using an 18-7 run to snatch the lead, 49-48, at the end of the quarter.

After Nicole Uy, with a triple, put the Stags back at the driver’s seat, 53-51, two minutes into the final period, Cuenco scored on a bank shot and Conrad Bauzon and Khiel Misa unloaded crucial treys to give the Altas a 59-53 cushion five minutes left in the game.

"I told my boys to play consistently and just keep the game close," said Perpetual coach Arturo Cristobal. "I’m glad the boys responded despite the fact that we were undermanned."

Leo Najorda had a quiet all-around game with 11 points, nine rebounds, 3 assists, two steals, and two blocks for the Stags, who got offensive contribution from all their men, but uncharacteristically played sub-par basketball down the stretch.

In the other game, Philippine Christian University solidified its own Final Four hopes as it drowned Jose Rizal University, 73-63.

John Retaga turned in game-high numbers for the Dolphins with 19 points, five rebounds and five assists, helping PCU extend its winning streak to four to tie San Sebastian and Perpetual. — Nathan Lee