Junior Altas stretch run to five games

MANILA, Philippines — University of Perpetual Help continued its fairy tale run as it extended its unbeaten streak to five with a 100-79 rout of Arellano U in NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

MVP candidate Amiel Acido paced five teammates in double figures with 21 points as the Junior Altas boosted their drive.

Earlier, title-holder Letran banked on another gem of a performance from George Diamante as it dealt Mapua its first defeat – a come-from-behind 86-69 victory.

Like a diamond, Diamante cut the Red Robins into pieces with a magical 26-point effort, including 21 in the final half fuelling the Squires’ fiery charge en route to third win in a row and fourth in all in five outings. Mapua sputtered to 4-1.

With 10 points in the third quarter, the 6-5 athletic big ignited a massive third-quarter turnaround for the Squires.

He also came through with 13 rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block.

That was practically the same statsline he delivered the last time in an 88-79 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University when he had 21 points, 16 boards, eight dimes, four swipes and a swat.

In another match, San Beda tightened the defensive screws in the last stretch as it edged College of St. Benilde, 64-62.

Also pulling wins were Emilio Aguinaldo College over LPU, 77-63, and Jose Rizal U at the expense of San Sebastian, 68-62.