Arellano University had to weather some big runs from Emilio Aguinaldo College but still drew a 70-55 victory to boost its play-in hopes in the NCAA Season 97 on Sunday.
Justin Arana dominated again with 21 points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks in another monster performance for the Chiefs.
Arellano could still make it to the next round as it forged a four-way tie in a 3-5 logjam with San Sebastian, Perpetual, and EAC at the middle.
Arellano started waxing hot in the second quarter, leading by as much as 21, 37-16, after opening the frame with a scorching 20-2 run led by Arana, Archie Concepcion, and Stefan Steinl.
EAC, however, got back into the game with a 14-7 blitz highlighted by three huge triples from Ralph Robin as the Generals ended the half behind by 14, 44-30.
Arana logged 13 points and six rebounds over the first two periods alone.
But EAC took advantage of their momentum in the third, inching back to within single digits, 48-40, with Marwin Taywan fueling a 10-4 run but the Chiefs managed to hold on to their lead, 55-47, heading to the fourth.
Scoreless in the first half, Arellano team captain Gelo Sablan showed up in the clutch, knocking down a crucial three-pointer that gave them a 68-53 cushion.
Sablan scored seven of his 12 points in the fourth quarter as he helped seal the victory for Arellano, which outscored EAC, 15-8, in the final period.
Four other Chiefs — Jordan Sta Ana, Axel Doromal, Stefan Steinl, and Archie Concepcion — finished with eight points apiece.
Robin finished with 13 points while Taywan chipped in with 12 to lead EAC.
Arellano will play Jose Rizal University on Wednesday while EAC will face University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on the last day of the elimination round on Friday.
The scores:
Arellano 70 - Arana 21, Sablan 12, Sta Ana 8, Doromal 8, Steinl 8, Concepcion 8, Oliva 3, Cruz 2, Caballero 0.
EAC 55 - Robin 13, Taywan 12, Maguliano 9, Cosejo 5, Liwag 5, Gurtiza 4, Cadua 4, Luciano 2, Doria 2, Cosa 0, Fuentes 0, Bunyi 0.
Quarters: 17-14, 44-30, 55-47, 70-55.
—JMB, GMA News
