Junior Altas pull off shock win vs Red Cubs

MANILA, Philippines — The Perpetual Help Junior Altas achieved what their senior counterparts had failed to do, upending the San Beda Cubs, 72-69, yesterday at the start of the 94th NCAA juniors basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.

Mark Gallano and Edzel Galoy sizzled with 16 points apiece and combined in their game-winning plays, with the former setting up the latter for the go-ahead basket at 71-69 before Yukihiro Kawamura split his charities right after the Cubs bungled their last possession to secure the victory.

“The boys showed heart and composure,” said Perpetual Help coach Michael Saguiguit.

It was Perpetual Help’s first victory against San Beda in recent memory.

Ato Badolato, who coached the Cubs for decades but has retired and turned as athletic director a few years ago, said he can’t remember the last time San Beda had lost to Perpetual Help.

“I can’t remember anymore, maybe in the early 90s,” he said.