NCAA: Perpetual Help clobbers Arellano for 1st win

Perpetual Help finally showed their "dark horse" selves against hapless Arellano. NCAA

By Ivan Saldajeno

SAN JUAN, MM--Perpetual Help broke out of its slump in the NCAA after romping Arellano, 85-66, on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

In a battle between winless squads, the Altas clawed the Chiefs early on and raced to a 22-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Arellano, though, fought back and cut the lead down to one, 28-27, with 5:36 remaining in the second quarter.

The Altas restored order late in the second quarter and limited the Chiefs to just nine third-quarter points to pull away for good.

Marcus Nitura led Perpetual Help, which tied the College of St. Benilde for seventh place at 1-2, with 19 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and one steal.

Christian Pagaran added 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block, while Mark Omega put up 12 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Jade Talampas led Arellano, which fell to a tie with Letran at the bottom of the standings at 0-3, with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block.

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