MANILA, Philippines–Perpetual Help became the first team to reach the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball semifinals on Thursday after an 81-74 win over Jose Rizal University at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Altas, the top seed in Group A after finishing the eliminations at 9-4, made the most of their twice-to-beat advantage and sent the Heavy Bombers out of the quarterfinals.
“I’m really trying to make the right read every time CoachOlsen (Racela) wants for us to take the high percentage shots,” Perpetual star Patrick Sleat said.
Mark Gojo Cruz again led Perpetual with 23 points, two rebounds and two assists. Sleat added a double-double of 14 points and 10 assists with six rebounds.
JRU, which had to survive a play-in for fourth two days earlier against Emilio Aguinaldo College, saw its Season 101 campaign end despite 18 points from Sean Salvador. Allen Laurenaria posted 16 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
