MANILA, Philippines — University of Perpetual Help eyes a share of the lead with College of St. Benilde and San Sebastian as it tackles Arellano U today in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
Under new coach Olsen Racela and with a heavily tweaked starting five, the Altas still came through with an 82-66 victory over the Jose Rizal U Bombers Tuesday.
Mark Gojo Cruz, straight out of Perpetual Help high school, flourished on his seniors’ debut, coming through with an all-around game of 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in the Las Piñas-based dribblers’ morale-boosting first win.
While Racela was satisfied, he thinks they’re still to go through learning curves.
“We’re learning, adjusting with each other. It will be a long process,” said the former PBA star.
The Chiefs, for their part, shoot for their first win and bounce-back from a heartbreaking 87-80 defeat at the hands of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals Sunday.
Game time is at 2:30 p.m.
Also eyeing their first victory are Jose Rizal U (0-1) and Letran (0-1), which collide at 12 p.m.
The Knights, now coached by Allen Ricardo, have also dropped their first outing – a stinging 91-84 defeat to the SSC-R Stags Sunday.