KEY PLAYER. Perpetual Help's Marcus Nitura is about to drive to the basket during their game against Arellano University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday (Nov. 7, 2023). The Altas won, 81-74, to remain in contention for a Final Four berth. (NCAA photo)
MANILA – Perpetual Help survived Arellano University, 81-74, to keep its semifinal hopes alive in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday.
Defense carried the Altas to their sixth win in 13 outings and sent the Chiefs packing with 11 defeats in 13 games.
"Humihinga pa (Still breathing),” Perpetual coach Myk Saguiguit said after the match.
To remain in contention, Perpetual must sweep its last five games, starting with San Beda University on Friday.
The Altas lost to the Red Lions, 60-62, on Oct. 17.
“This win is a good thing for us. It's a good motivation going up against San Beda on Friday,” Saguiguit said.
Christian Pagaran led the Altas with 21 points, but Marcus Nitura also impressed with 13 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five steals.
“Dati nag-usap na kami at sabi niya sa akin na nakikita daw niya sarili niya sa akin (We talked before and he said that he sees himself in me)," Nitura said, referring to former NCAA Most Valuable Player and now Philippine Basketball Association star Scottie Thompson, who also serves as Perpetual assistant coach.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa team dahil kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi ko makukuha ito. Kailangan lang maging (I am thankful to the team because if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have gotten this. I just have to be) consistent," said Pagaran, who also had five rebounds, two steals and one block.
Jeadan Ongotan finished with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal for Arellano. (PNA)
