Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
8 a.m. – San Beda vs EAC (Jrs)
10 a.m. – JRU vs SSCR (Jrs)
12 noon – San Beda vs EAC (Srs)
2 p.m. – JRU vs SSCR (Srs)
4 p.m. – Lyceum vs Letran (Srs)
6 p.m. – Lyceum vs Letran (Jrs)
Arellano University kept its flickering semis hopes alive by crushing College of St. Benilde, 95-65, in the 93rd NCAA men’s basketball tournament yesterday at The Arena in San Juan City.
In dire need of a win to salvage a season, the Chiefs went on an early rampage, taking a 28-16 first-quarter lead and never looked back as they buried a season-high 12 three-pointers – thanks to an impressive 50 percent shooting from the field.
The win enabled Arellano to tie Emilio Aguinaldo College for sixth to seventh places with similar 6-9 records – two full games behind fifth-running Letran (8-7).
“This win gives up hope that we still have a shot at the Final Four. We’re still upbeat,” said Arellano coach Jerry Codiñera, whose team still has three assignments left in the elims.
Already in the semis with twice-to-beat advantages are unbeaten Lyceum (15-0) and defending champion San Beda College (14-1).
Still in semis hunt are Jose Rizal University (9-6) and San Sebastian College (7-7).
In the other game, Mapua outplayed University of Perpetual Help, 76-71, to pick up its second straight win and third overall in 15 games.
Andoy Estrella dropped 22 points while Christian Bunag had 19 points and 14 rebounds for the Cardinals, who handed the Altas their 11th defeat in also 15 starts.
Kent Salado led Arellano’s early assault, finishing in double-double with 16 points and 11 assists, while Zach Nichols added 13 points – all from the second half – spiked by three triples.
The Chiefs played like an orchestra that Salado managed to get everybody involved in offensive plays for most the game.
First Game
ARELLANO 95 – Salado 16, Nicholls 13, Flores 12, Abanes 11, Alcoriza 11, Dela Cruz 11, Viloria 8, Cañete 4, Enriquez 4, Meca 3, Padilla 2, Concepcion 0, Ongolo Ongolo 0, Taywan 0, Filart 0.
ST. BENILDE 65 – Belgica 18, Domingo 14, Naboa 8, Dixon 5, Leutcheu 5, San Juan 4, Johnson 3, Sta. Maria 3, Young 3, Pili 2, Castor 0, Suarez 0, Velasco 0.
Quarters: 28-16, 47-33, 69-50, 95-65.
Second Game
MAPUA 76 – Estrella 22, Buñag 19, Victoria 14, Aguirre 9, Gabo 6, Raflores 6, Jimenez 0, Nieles 0, Orquina 0, Pelayo 0.
PERPETUAL 71 – Ylagan 22, Pido 18, Eze 15, Sadiwa 5, Yuhico 5, Lucente 4, Dagangon 2, Clemente 0, Coronel 0, Mangalino 0, Tamayo 0.
Quarters: 22-17; 38-42; 55-55; 76-71.
