By MARK REY MONTEJO
With a 1-8 record, Arellano University was given a ghost of a chance to beat a streaking San Beda side in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament.
They Chiefs were also manhandled by the Red Lions in the first round, 85-61, so the Mendiola-based squad was installed heavy favorites.
Despite the great odds, the Chiefs persevered and shocked the Lions with a gritty 74-72 win before a shell-shocked fans at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Friday, Oct. 27, big thanks to a gem of a player in Jade Talampas.
After a quiet performance in the first three quarters where he was held to a measly four points, the hard-working 6-foot-2 Talampas erupted with 14 points spiked by four triples – none more lethal than the last one he made with 5.9 ticks left– to produce one of the biggest wins of the season.
Apart from reliving its Final Four bid, Arellano also denied San Beda a piece of the solo leadership with idle Mapua (8-1) as the Lions slipped to 7-3, tying Lyceum for second to third places.
Playing like a man possessed, Talampas set himself up for the game-winning triple with a steal off Peter Alfaro and San Beda was still up, 72-71.
San Beda rookie Jomel Puno tried to go for an extension, but he bungled his drive as time expired.
Arellano’s defense was extra tight this time it held San Beda ace Jacob Cortez to just 2 points on an awful 0-of-11 shooting.
The win was so big and special for Arellano the players celebrated as if they won a lottery jackpot.
The scores:
First Game
Arellano U 74- Talampas 18, Yanes 11, Mallari 10, Valencia 10, Capulong 8.Ongotan 5, Villarente 4, Geronimo 4, Sunga 2, Dela Cruz 2, Rosalin 0.
San Beda 72- Payosing 20, Puno 14, Jopia 11, Tagle 9, Alfaro 7, Cuntapay 6, Gallego 3, Cortez 2, Visser 0, Tagala 0, Llanera 0, Peregrina 0, Royo 0.
Quarters: 17-24; 35-43; 57-53; 74-72.
