By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Perpetual Help Altas continued their strong start in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament after outlasting the Arellano University Chiefs, 72-67, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City over the weekend.

Negrenses Shawn Orgo and LA Casinillo came up big for the Altas, providing stability and key plays on both ends of the court.

Orgo delivered seven points, six rebounds and three assists, while Casinillo also finished with seven points, including timely baskets that helped Perpetual gain control early in the game.

Mark Gojo Cruz led the Altas with 13 points, while Patrick Sleat and Josiah Alcantara added 12 and 11, respectively, as Perpetual improved to a perfect 4-0 record.

After a tight opening quarter, the Altas began to pull away in the second frame behind Alcantara and Casinillo to build a 41-32 halftime lead.

Perpetual stretched the margin to 64-53 in the fourth quarter after a basket by Juan Tulabut, but the Chiefs rallied to close in at 65-67.

Orgo then calmly sank his free throws alongside John Boral, while Sleat scored a crucial layup to secure the win for the Altas.

T-Mc Ongotan paced Arellano with 20 points, while Sebastian Valencia chipped in 10 as the Chiefs fell to 1-2.

Meanwhile, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights finally entered the win column after defeating the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 84–80, to improve to 1-3.

Deo Cuajao sparked Letran with 23 points built on six three-pointers, while Jonathan Manalili flirted with a triple-double — posting 12 points, 13 assists, six rebounds, and four steals.

Kevin Santos added 15 points and five rebounds, and Aaron Buensalida had a double-double of 12 points and 11 boards for the Knights./ASC, WDJ