Published October 3, 2025 3:32pm
Updated October 3, 2025 3:32pm
Patrick Sleat (10) of the Perpetual ALTAs against the San Sebastian Golden Stags. (Photo: Thomas Villanueva)
Patrick Sleat set the tone for the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in their dominant 67–54 victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Friday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The win also spoiled Rob Labagala’s coaching debut in the NCAA.
Sleat scored eight of his 10 points in the first quarter alone but was benched in the second period after picking up two early fouls. Still, the ALTAs managed to hold off the Golden Stags and took a 30-19 lead into halftime.
It was all Perpetual from there, with the team building its biggest lead at 58-41 after a Mark Gojo Cruz triple with less than five minutes remaining.
San Sebastian responded with a 7–0 run before Sleat halted the momentum with a basket that pushed Perpetual’s lead to 60. Shawn Orgo, JP Boral, and Gojo Cruz then led a late rally to seal the win.
“Happy kami at nakuha namin ang first win namin of the season, but we have a lot of work to do,” said Perpetual head coach Olsen Racela.
“San Sebastian is a tough team. Na-delay kami sa kanilang halfcourt trap, but we were able to figure it out in the second half. Malaking bagay yung first win.”
Racela also credited Sleat, one of the emerging leaders for the Las Piñas-based squad.
“Malaking bagay ’yun. Maganda start namin to set the goal for the team. Pero ‘yun nga, two fouls agad and we were up so di ko siya binalik in the first half. But he set the tone for us with his unselfishness and his creativity, malaking bagay ’yun. Others followed his lead.”
Sleat also tallied five assists, four rebounds, and a steal. Sophomore Mark Gojo Cruz stepped up with 15 points, including three triples, while Cedrick Abis and JP Boral added 10 points apiece.
TJ Felebrico led the Golden Stags with 12 points.
Perpetual (1–0) returns to action on Sunday against Lyceum of the Philippines University (1–0), while San Sebastian (0–1) faces Arellano University on Tuesday.
Scores:
Perpetual 67 – Gojo Cruz 15, Sleat 10, Boral 10, Abis 10, Orgo 8, Tulabut 6, Maglupay 2, Casinillo 2, Nunez 2, Duremdes 2, Alcantara 0, Gelsano 0, Pagulayan 0.
San Sebastian 54 – Felebrico 12, Dela Rama 8, Gabat 7, Ricio 7, Are 6, Cuajao 6, Dimaunahan 3, Castor 2, Velasco 2, Nepacena 1, Lumanag 0.
Quarters: 22-12, 30-19, 43-34, 67-54.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
