By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Arellano finally snapped a four-game losing spell with a convincing 87-73 victory over San Sebastian on Sunday, Sept. 22, in NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Jeadan Ongotan spearheaded the offensive onslaught by pumping in a career-high 21 points, while Lorenz Capulong flexed his might on both ends with a double-double performance of 12 points and 10 rebounds as the Chiefs finally barged into the winning column and tied with the Jose Rizal University Bombers.
Arellano immediately imposed its will in the opening frame with a 32-20 lead and protected it with its tight defense particularly on San Sebastian’s scoring machine in Paeng Are, who was held to only 11 points.
So stifling were their defense that the Chiefs outrebounded the Stags, 49-37. Offensively, Arellano also banked on its fastbreak attempts, converting 20 points compared to San Sebastian’s only three.
For a moment, the Stags threatened midway in the final canto after cutting their 17-point deficit to only 10, 80-70, but Ongotan, Capulong and Cyril Hernal were quick to respond with timely baskets for the Chiefs that doused the fire of San Sebastian.
Hernal also shone for Arellano with 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, while Troy Valencia contributed 10 points, eight boards and five assists for the morale-boosting win.
Meanwhile, Ameer Aguilar topped San Sebastian’s scorers with 14 points and four steals, while Harold Ricio added 11 points.
It was the Stags’ third straight defeat in five games to tie with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals near the bottom standings.
The scores:
ARELLANO 87 – Ongotan 21, Capulong 12, Hernal 11, Valencia 10, Vinoya 9, Camay 9, Geronimo 7, Borromeo 4, De Leon 2, Estacio 2, Miller 0, Rosalin 0, Abiera 0, Libang 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 73 – Aguilar 14, Ricio 11, Are 11, Pascual 8, Escobido 7, L. Gabat 7, Velasco 5, Suico 4, R. Gabat 4, Felebrico 2, Barroga 0, Lintol 0, Ramilo 0, Maliwat 0.
Quarters: 32-20; 51-43; 74-60; 87-73.
