Junior Altas gain crack at first crown

MANILA, Philippines — Jan Roluna was a surprise package and unlikely hero as Perpetual Help downed Mapua, 96-91, to book a breakthrough finals appearance in the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Arena yesterday.

Roluna, who previously saw action in just three games and averaged a little over four points, went supernova with a double-double effort of 22 points and 11 rebounds.

He stepped up the most in the fourth quarter when he uncorked 12 massive points including five – a three-point play and two dagger free throws – of the Junior Altas last six points that sealed their entry into the best-of-three finals.

There, the Dr. Antonio Tamayo-owned school will have a chance for a date with destiny and accomplish what it has failed to do since joining the grand old league in 1984 – win it all.

As it is, UPHSD has achieved a milestone in surpassing its previous best – a third-place finish 14 years ago under coach and now current league commissioner Tonichi Pujante with a bunch led by Gelo Alolino and Axel Inigo.

But coach Johp Cleopas knows the job isn’t done.

“Hindi pa tapos ang laban,” said an emotional Cleopas.

Standing in the way of UPHSD’s quest is back-to-back title-seeking Letran, which outlasted San Sebastian, 91-77, to grab the last finals spot.