REYNALD MAGALLON

Jielo Razon and Cyrus Nitura connived in the waning minutes as Perpetual sent PSP packing with a 97-90 victory in the quarterfinals of the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup on Tuesday, June 6 at Paco Arena.

The Altas squandered a double-digit lead but recovered just in time with Razon and Nitura spearheading a pivotal 11-2 finishing kick to prevent the Gymers from forcing a winner-take-all Game 2 and advance to a semifinals clash against top seed EcoOil-La Salle.

Razon came alive in the fourth quarter when Perpetual was staring at a five point deficit, 68-73 heading into the final frame after failing to protect a 10-point third quarter lead. He dropped 12 of his 18 points, built on three triples which he all nailed in the final frame.

Nitura, who kept the Altas afloat in the face of a huge third quarter Gymers storm, also unloaded 10 of his 20 points in the payoff period while John Abis provided ample support with 19 points and six rebounds.

“Parang ‘di pang-quarterfinals ‘yung laro namin nung una pero ‘di kami pwedeng ‘di manalo ngayon after our pep talk with our school owner,” said coach Myk Saguiguit, referring to Dr. Antonio Tamayo’s encouraging words that fired up his wards.

“It’s our first time in the D-League semifinals after three stints. It’s our first time to reach this feat so sana maging maganda,” he added.

The Altas actually looked comfortably ahead midway through the third quarter with its 10-point barrier seeming to be impossible for the Gymers to break. 

Wendel Comboy, Jayvee Dela Cruz and John Olegario, however, mounted a huge third quarter rally that saw PSP outscore Perpetual, 26-11 in the frame, erasing the double-digit spread and taking a five-point cushion heading to the final frame.

The Gymers engaged the Altas to a nip-and-tuck affair from then before coming out dry in the last three minutes of the contest, allowing Perpetual to escape with the win.

Comboy exploded 26 points but proved to be not enough for PSP to salvage its season.