By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The University of Perpetual Help Altas leaned on the all-around steadiness of Shawn Orgo to secure an 81-74 triumph over Jose Rizal University (JRU) and clinch a spot in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball Final 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Thursday, November 27.
The Negrense Orgo delivered 10 crucial points and provided the composure the Altas needed in key stretches, complementing the explosive outing of Mark Gojo Cruz, who finished with 23 points built on four triples.
Patrick Sleat also turned in a solid performance with 14 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, and two steals to help Perpetual wrap up the quarterfinals in just one game.
Clinging to a 41-37 halftime lead, the Altas broke the game open with a 17-6 run to start the third quarter, sparked by successive baskets from Gojo Cruz to grab a 59-43 cushion.
JRU mounted a late rally in the fourth and came within 70-73.
However, Orgo’s steady play, coupled with a key basket from Sleat and free throws by John Abis and John Boral, allowed Perpetual to keep control and seal the victory.
Sean Salvador topscored for the Heavy Bombers with 18 points.
Allen Laurenaria and Justin Lozano contributed 16 and 11, respectively.
Meanwhile, the San Beda University Red Lions also booked a return trip to the Final 4 after routing the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, 91-67.
The Red Lions quickly seized control behind a barrage of three-pointers, bouncing back decisively from their upset loss in the crossover phase.
San Beda drilled 13 triples at a 41.9-percent clip, fueling a wire-to-wire performance that kept the Pirates at bay throughout.
Yukien Andrada spearheaded the attack with 20 points, hitting six of his 10 attempts from deep.
Janti Miller followed with 18 points and six rebounds.
Bismark Lina and Ilonggo John Bryan Sajonia added 15 and 13 points, respectively.
The loss ended Lyceum’s streak of four straight Final 4 appearances.
Graduating guard Ato Barba topped the Pirates with 13 points./ASC, WDJ