Rookie helps Altas in win over Pirates

ROOKIE Juneric Baloria showed that he is no neophyte in late-game situations as he averted a collapse by Perpetual Help and helped the Altas win over the Lyceum Pirates, 71-66, in the 89th NCAA men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.

Baloria, a native of Lanao del Norte, had seven of his 18 points in the fourth canto that led the Altas on an 8-2 run for a 67-61 lead after the game was tied at 59-all late in the game.

Lyceum last threatened at 65-68 but once again, Baloria came to the rescue and made pressure-packed freethrows to ensure the win for the Altas.

Nosa Omorogbe paced the Altas with 19 points as they gained a share of the second place in the standings with a 3-1 (win-loss) record, the same with San Beda.

Dexter Zamora had 13 for Lyceum which evened its record at 2-2. /Correspondent jonas panerio