Perpetual Help opens season with win vs San Sebastian

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta began its NCAA Season 101 men's basketball campaign with a 67-54 win over San Sebastian College-Recoletos at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Friday.

Sophomore Mark Gojo Cruz led the scoring for the Altas with 15 points, while John Abis, JP Boral, and former Far Eastern University guard Patrick Sleat each contributed 10 points to the victory.

Perpetual Help head coach Olsen Racela attributed the win to the team's defensive strategy, emphasizing the effort to contain San Sebastian's top scorers, Paeng Are and TJ Felebrico. The Altas successfully limited Are to just six points, with Felebrico being the only double-digit scorer for San Sebastian at 12 points.

Racela praised Sleat for making a strong impact in his NCAA debut, noting his unselfish play and experience from other leagues, which helped the team secure the win. With this victory, Perpetual Help joined Mapua University in the winning column of Group A.

Looking ahead, Perpetual Help will face Lyceum of the Philippines University on Sunday, while San Sebastian will attempt to secure its first win against Arellano University on Tuesday, October 7.