Altas pound Generals, 69-49

MANILA, Philippines – Perpetual Help played a superb game in outclassing Emilio Aguinaldo, 69-49, to start their campaign on a high note in Season 89 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan Thursday.

Nosa Omorogbe and Earl Thompson led the Altas’ charge, pouring in 14 points each while Harold Arboleda added a double-double effort with 10 points and 13 boards.

“Maganda talaga laro namin, pero nagsimula lahat sa depensa. First half pa lang hirap na sila maka-score sa amin,” said Perpetual head coach Aric Del Rosario.

“Yung laro ng mga bata ngayon sana mag tuloy-tuloy. Walang naging buwaya nagpapasahan sila nang maganda,” he added.

The outcome was never in doubt even if the Generals kept hanging on the game because Thompson, who played only in the fourth quarter, was there to answer every run. He had 14 points in the payoff period as the Altas bucked the absence of Femi Babayemi due to a back injury.

“Automatic naman yun pag lumalamang medyo nag papahinga ang mga players. Kaya nakakahabol, medyo delekado. Buti hindi nagtuloy-tuloy,” said Del Rosario.

The Altas pounced on the hapless Generals early in the game, using their stifling defense to hold the latter to a measly 22 percent field goal shooting to take a 31-16 advantage at the break.

Jolas Paguia was the lone bright spot for EAC, registering a double-double with 12 points and 14 boards in a lackluster season debut from the Generals.