Altas clinch Martin Cup crown

MANILA, Philippines - Juneric Baloria and Nigerian big man Akhuetie Bright showed the way with 17 points apiece as the University of Perpetual Help Altas held off the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, 65-56, yesterday to clinch the men’s basketball crown of the 20th Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball tournament.

The Altas earned their first crown following two previous attempts, and it came after the Adamson University Baby Falcons settled for the junior division honors at the Trinity University of Asia gymnasium in Quezon City.

Harold Arboleda, who had 11 points, finally put the Altas in front after his triple in the last 9:18 connected and shattered a 46-all deadlock.

This unleashed an 8-0 run which the Altas built through Joel Jolangcob’s layup off Arboleda’s assist, two charities from Bright and Baloria’s drive.

Miguel Sasuman and Gerard Fernandez hit 16 and 13 points, respectively, for the Baby Falcons, who won over the San Beda Red Cubs, 80-71, in the fight for the secondary boys honors.

The injury-struck Growling Tigers,  who missed two key players, fell behind in the remaining time as Bright succeeded in dominating the boards.

Earl Thompson’s drive and Bright’s three-point play pushed the Altas further ahead, 61-50, in the final 5:30.