MANILA, Philippines – Joel Jolangcob and Juneric Baloria showed the way for the University of Perpetual Help Altas, who warded off the St. Clare College Saints, 55-51, in the ongoing 19th Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball tournament at the Trinity University of Asia gymnasium in Quezon City.
Jolangcob fired 22 points, while Baloria made 21 for the Phoenix, who went on to notch their straight victory in Group A, and this put them on track for one of two semifinal seats in their bracket.
The Altas now share the early lead with the National University Bulldogs, who are fresh from a 66-50 upset of the defending champion Ateneo-A Blue Eagles.
Commissioner Robert de la Rosa said a wide open race is now on for all slots in the semis.
The Altas, playing without three injured mainstays, relied on Jolangcob’s heroics in the last 17 seconds.
With the Saints threatening, 51-53, Jolangcob sank four free throws to put the Altas safely ahead.
In other matches, the Fatima University Phoenix pulled off a 94-86 upset over the Letran Knights, in Group A, while the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses walloped AMACU, 94-38, in the women’s action.
In the junior side, Fatima University repulsed Ateneo Blue, 87-52, and UST won over Ateneo White, 79-53.