UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System Dalta bucked the absence of Kim Aurin to beat College of Saint Benilde, 76-64, and secure the remaining Final Four berth in the National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors’ basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
“When I woke up this morning, I was told Kim Aurin won’t be playing,” said first-year coach Myk Saguiguit of his prized forward, who was ruled out because of chickenpox. “I told the boys let’s play this game for Kim, let’s give it to him.”
“And the players responded,” he added.
JP Boral filled in for Aurin and scored all of his 11 points in the first half to put the Altas in command.
John Abis led Perpetual Help with 14 points, Jielo Razon added 13 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while team captain Jeff Egan also scored 13 points to go with four rebounds and two assists.
It was a sweet victory for the Altas, who staved off elimination by winning four straight games.
Perpetual Help will face defending champion Letran in the Final Four on Sunday.
The other semifinal pits No. 2 Mapua against No. 3 San Beda.
The loss means an extended Final Four drought for the Blazers to 20 years. The fourth-ranked team in the eliminations also lost to San Beda in the first play-in last Sunday.
JC Cullar finished with 18 points while Will Gozum recorded his sixth double-double of the season of 13 points and 13 boards for Saint Benilde.
The Blazers missed AJ Benson, who was suspended because of two unsportsmanlike fouls against the Red Lions.