Gojo Cruz takes over late as Perpetual gets first win

The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA picked up its first win of NCAA Season 102 after beating Emilio Aguinaldo College, 83-72, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Thursday.

The Altas took control in the first half, with Gelo Gelsano and JM Tulabut combining for 22 of Perpetual’s 45 points before halftime. JD Pagulayan then gave Perpetual a nine-point cushion at the break, knocking down a buzzer-beating three-pointer to make it 45-36.

Perpetual carried that momentum into the third quarter and stretched its lead to double digits at 55-45. EAC, however, answered with a 9-0 run to pull within one, 55-54, with Ej Castillo scoring seven points during the spurt.

The Generals stayed within striking distance, but Perpetual found another gear in the fourth quarter. The Altas scored 25 points in the final period, with Mark Gojo Cruz accounting for 11 of them, to finally pull away from EAC.

Cruz finished with 15 points, four rebounds, and six assists on 60 percent shooting, while Gelsano posted 17 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals on 70 percent shooting.

For EAC, Castillo paced the Generals with 19 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while Raymundo added 17 points.

The win puts Perpetual at 1-1 in Season 102, while EAC falls to 0-1 in its season opener.