November 24, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Tinapos ng University of Perpetual Help System DALTA ang kanilang three-game losing skid matapos suwagin ang Lyceum of the Philippines University, 72-57, sa second round ng NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament kahapon sa FilOil Centre sa San Juan City.
Isinara ng Altas ang eliminasyon bitbit ang 9-4 record para angkinin ang No. 1 spot sa Group A kasama ang ‘twice-to-beat’ advantage sa quarterfinals.
Nagsumite si Mark Gojo Cruz ng 10 points, 7 rebounds at 3 assists para sa tropa ni coach Olsen Racela habang may tig-siyam na marka sina John Abis, JP Boral at Juan Tulabut.
“We really have to rely on our strength. We have to limit them to 60s (score) for us to win,” ani Racela. “Sa playoffs, it’s not about defense. Defense will really be crucial, but it’s all about some aspects also.”
Makakatapat ng Perpetual sa quarterfinals ang mananalo sa play-in game ng Jose Rizal University (6-7) at Emilio Aguinaldo College (4-9) sa Group B bukas.
Itiniklop ng Pirates ang group stage hawak ang 3-10 baraha.
Sa ikalwang laro, tinapos ng Letran Knights (8-5) ang three-game winning run ng San Beda Red Lions (9-4) sa pagtusok sa 87-83 panalo.
Tumipa si rookie superstar Titing Manalili ng 26 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds at 2 steals para sa back-to-back wins ng Knights.