Arellano University survived a scoring outburst from Kim Aurin as the Chiefs picked up a 61-59 win over University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in the NCAA Season 98 on Friday.
Aurin exploded for 27 points, including 19 in a sizzling third quarter where he knocked down four three-pointers, but that wasn't enough against a tough Arellano team that made the plays they needed down the stretch.
Axel Doromal led the Chiefs with 19 points, including nine in the fourth period, while Shane Menina added 13 points and a game-high seven assists.
The two combined for 17 of Arellano's 19 points in the final quarter to help lead the Chiefs to the victory.
Both teams struggled to connect on the offense early, but a 5-0 run to close out the second quarter saw Arellano up by a slim three points at the half, 27-24.
Aurin the caught fire in the third shooting 6-for-8 from the field and 4-for-6 from beyond the arc in the penultimate frame as he outscored the entire Chiefs side, 19-15, to help the Las Piñas squad take a 47-42 cushion before heading to the fourth quarter.
But Arellano reclaimed the lead in the fourth with Doromal and Menina sinking two free throws each, 53-49, before Aurin tied it at 53-all.
A Doromal mid-range jumper, however, gave Arellano a slim 57-55 cushion before Menina made it a 59-56 spread with 1:27 left.
The graduating Aurin then missed out a potential game-tying triple as Arellano escaped Perpetual.
The Chiefs also had strong showings from Danielle Mallari, who had nine points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks, and Cade Flores, who chipped in with eight points and 16 big boards.
Aurin finished with 27 points, including 5-for-11 from three-point range, alongside nine rebounds and three assists but was the lone player from the Altas side in double figures.
Mark Denver Omega backed him up with nine points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks while players like Jielo Razon and Joey Barcuma struggled with their shooting, contributing only three points apiece.
—JMB, GMA News
