Martin San Diego | FCF

Seeking to bounce back from a loss against defending champions San Beda prior to an extended two-week break, University of Perpetual Help routed erstwhile unbeaten Letran College (7-1) in a wire-to-wire victory, 80-66, in Thursday’s NCAA Season 89 seniors basketball action at The Arena in San Juan City.

Led by rookie guard Juneric Baloria, who finished with 28 points, the Altas (6-2) gave last year’s runners-up a rude awakening in their surprise run this season. Nick Omorogbe added 25 points with 14 rebounds and seven assists in an all-around display of skill.

Starting off the game on a 31-9 blast, Perpetual Help ran roughshod on the Knights and never looked back.

Raymond Almazan held the fort for Letran with 15 points and 17 rebounds, while Kevin Racal added 10 points and 11 rebounds in their first loss of the tournament.

In the second game, Jose Rizal University (5-3) maintained their stranglehold of the fourth spot following a runaway 61-49 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines (2-6).

Ex-San Beda guard Paolo Pontejos led the scoring charge with 16 points, while Michael Mabulac added 14 points.

The Heavy Bombers built up a huge 50-34 lead to start the final 10 minutes of play to put away the sliding LPU five.

The shorthanded Pirates, who were missing the services of Mark Francisco, Joseph Ambohot, and Dexter Zamora due to league-mandated suspensions, were led by Aziz Issah Mbomiko with 14 points, while Jeremiah Taladua added 12 points in the loss.