Altas give Olsen warm welcome

MANILA, Philippines — The University of Perpetual Help Altas, under new coach Olsen Racela, marked their first outing in NCAA Season 100 with an 82-66 rout of the Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

In the other game, the St. Benilde Blazers stood their ground in an overtime grind with the San Beda Red Lions, notching a second straight win with a 70-65 decision.

Big man John Boral, rookie Mark Gojo Cruz and Christian Pagaran showed the way as the Altas endured a tight first-half battle before unleashing a key run in the third period on the way to the 16-point victory.

Boral top scored with 17 points and added 10 rebounds while Gojo Cruz, elevated from the Perpetual juniors squad that gained runner-up honors last season, collected 15 markers, five boards and three assists.

Pagaran was a third guy in double figures for the Altas who gave Racela a triumphant welcome in NCAA play.

Shortly after, Racela rushed over to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium for his duty as an assistant coach with the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the PBA.

Gojo Cruz himself sparked the Altas’ crucial 23-15 romp from a 41-all count at the half.

Joshua Guiab led the Bombers with 15 points.