The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA ALTAs are rolling in the NCAA Season 101 with a record of 4-0 all thanks to Patrick Sleat and Mark Gojo Cruz.
Rise of the Tamaraw Transferee and 2nd Year ALTAs
The 24 year old Sleat was once a Tamaraw playing for the green and gold of Far Eastern University in the UAAP before transferring to Perpetual Help.
Meanwhile, the 2nd Year Mark Gojo Cruz is breaking the “Sophomore Slump” idea thrown towards collegiate varsity players.
Both Sleat and Gojo Cruz have been stellar for the ALTAs as they dominate Group A with a 4-0 record, this includes pulling an upset against the defending champions, Mapua University.
Humbled Despite the Winning Streak
“Sobrang grateful ko rin kasi ‘yung mga knowledge na natutunan ko sa kanya (Racela). Kahit nga sophomore ako, hindi talaga ako sanay mag-point guard,” said Gojo Cruz back when the ALTAs were still 2-0.
The 20 year old point guard was the team’s top scorer with averages of 12.78 points, 5.39 rebounds, 2.78 assists, 1.28 steals, and 0.78 blocks per game in Season 100.
Meanwhile, when asked about the difference between the Coaching style of Olsen in FEU and here at Perpetual, this is what Patrick has to say:
“Halos same lang din pinapatakbo rito [sa Perpetual]. May mga konting lang na adjustments. Yung [experience] ang kailangan namin last year. Nadagdagan din kami ng mga recruits namin from high school to the transferees.”
A New Duo Emerges for the ALTAs
In their 1st game against the San Sebastian University Stags last October 3, the dynamic duo of ALTAs put the league on notice.
Sleat: 10 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 5 steals and a block
Gojo Cruz: 15 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists
FINAL SCORE: 67 – 54
On their 2nd game against the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, the 2 blossomed be Perpetual’s go to guys
Sleat: 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block
Gojo Cruz: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals
FINAL SCORE: 73 – 61
And just when everybody thought the Cardinals would end this “fluke” of the ALTAs, the defending champs suffer their 1st loss of the tournament.
Sleat: 12 points and 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks and 1 block
Gojo Cruz: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
FINAL SCORE: 75 – 65
The latest victim of their winning streak was the Arellano University Chiefs with the 2 leading their team in scoring.
Sleat: 12 points, 3 rebounds, an assist, a steal and 3 blocks
Gojo Cruz: 13 points, 4 rebounds, an assist and a block
FINAL SCORE: 75 – 65
An Early Selection for Either the 1st or 2nd Mythical Team
Truth be told, both Mark and Patrick have a clear shot of making either the 1st or 2nd Mythical Team even though it’s just 4 games in.
The 2 have shown they can rise to the occasion and can undoubtedly perform at an elite level especially when the lights shine the brightest.
Though there are still a lot of questions before giving the trophy to the ALTAs such as, who’s going to be their 3rd star? Can Sleat and Gojo Cruz perform consistently? Can Head Coach Olsen Racela not choke in the Playoffs?
Regardless of how far this duo can lead their team, one thing is certain, both Patrick Sleat and Mark Gojo Cruz have made fans tune in to more games of the NCAA Season 101.
