Despite injury, Perpetual’s Baloria cops NCAA Player of the Week honors

MANILA, Philippines – Juneric Baloria, who is nursing a thigh injury, still emerged as the ACCEL/3XVI NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week.

Baloria paced the University of Perpetual Help Altas with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals when they won over the Arellano University Chiefs, 73-66, last Thursday in their first round meeting in Season 89 of the NCAA at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

He hurt his thigh during that game, but this did not keep him from doing his best again, and chipping in 13 points when the Altas beat the Mapua Cardinals Monday night.

“Kahit may injury ako, pinilit ko pa ring maglaro dahil kailangan ako ng team. Kasi kaya ko pa rin naman eh,” said Baloria.

He got a boost from Nosa Omorogbe in against the Cardinals when he led with 25 points and 11 rebounds.

The Altas drew seven point from Baloria in the final period, including a jumper in the last 56.5 seconds which allowed the Las Pinas-based cagers to keep their distance, 73-66.

Earlier, his triple in the last 3:43 gave the Altas a nine-point lead, 69-60.

The Altas now share second spot with the defending champion San Beda Red Lions 5-1.