Perpetual Help ended a six-game losing streak with a 65-58 victory over Arellano University in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on October 26, 2026, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
A Tense Finish and Coach’s Frustration
Arellano tied the game at 58-58 with 2:15 remaining. LA Casinillo’s back-to-back baskets restored the Altas’ lead. Mark Gojo Cruz sealed the victory with three free throws in the final 10 seconds. Coach Olsen Racela acknowledged the team’s struggles, saying, Within that losing streak, we never lost hope, we had to answer a few problems that we encountered especially in the first part of the season.
The Altas entered the fourth quarter with an eight-point lead but saw Arellano mount a comeback. A 10-point deficit slipped away in the final period, according to GMA Network. The game’s quarter scores were 16-15, 34-23, 48-40, and 65-58, showing Perpetual’s ability to maintain control despite late surges.
Arellano’s Ernest Geronimo sank back-to-back buckets to tie the game at 58-all with 2:15 to go. Casinillo responded with two baskets to make it 62-58 with 57 seconds left. Perpetual’s lead was never again threatened, as Gojo Cruz made 10 of 11 free throws to secure the win.
Key Players Shine in Crucial Moments
Gojo Cruz led Perpetual with 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while also making 10 of 11 free throws, according to SPIN. LA Casinillo added 11 points and six rebounds. Arellano’s Anjord Cabotaje scored 16 points, with Ernest Geronimo contributing 12. Cabotaje fueled Arellano’s comeback with eight straight points, including two three-pointers, in the fourth quarter.
The Chiefs’ loss marked their fifth in six games, per GMA Network. The Altas had previously lost to Arellano 88-65 on September 25, a defeat that initiated their six-game skid, as noted by Tribune. The Altas entered the game with a 2-7 record, having struggled after two early wins, as reported by Tribune.
Standings Shift After Hard-Fought Victory
The Altas’ win placed them half a game behind the third-seeded EAC Generals, per SPIN. Arellano’s loss dropped them to 5-5 in Group B but kept them in second place. Perpetual’s victory also marked their first win since a 65-58 triumph over Arellano on October 26, 2026, ending a six-game losing streak.
The game also saw Arellano’s Anjord Cabotaje lead the Chiefs with 16 points and four rebounds. Ernest Geronimo added 12 points. T-Mc Ongotan played just 12 minutes and scored four points. His ankle injury worsened, forcing Perpetual to adjust its lineup, with Gojo Cruz and Casinillo stepping up in critical moments, as reported by SPIN.
Coach Urges Persistence After Hard-Earned Win
Racela’s post-game comments reflected relief and determination. I just told them not to lose hope, we just need one win,
he said. The coach praised his team’s ability to adapt, adding, Big win for us now, but we move on and try to get another one and get as many wins as we can.
The team’s performance was shaped by T-Mc Ongotan’s absence due to a worsening ankle injury, as reported by SPIN.
The Altas will look to build on this win as they aim to climb the Group B standings.