Arellano University ended its first round run on a high note as it took down De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 73-71, on Friday in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil-EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Chiefs improved to 3-6 while the Blazers were dealt their second loss and slipped to 6-2.
The Blazers were leading 67-66 with less than four minutes left in the final period but a King Vinoya triple and free throws from T-Mc Ongotan handed the lead back to the Chiefs. Matthew Oli's free throws put Benilde within two with 1:35 left.
Allen Liwag, however, had a bad pass which was supposedly for Gab Cometa. Arellano then took the chance to seal the deal as Ernjay Geronimo's jumper gave the Chiefs a 4-point lead.
Jhomel Ancheta scored at the 0:24 mark to give the Blazers a fighting chance as Ongotan missed his free throws afterwards. However, Justine Sanchez then missed his final basket which handed the Chiefs its third win.
Arellano also led 23-11 in the first quarter but Benilde caught up, 40-39, at the end of the first half.
"Wala namang sikreto diyan. Siguro 'yung ano lang, pusong palaban. 'Yun ang ina-apply namin. Siguro 'yung preparation, 'yun ang pinakamaganda doon," Arellano head coach Chico Manabat said.
"Sila kasi siyempre kumpiyansa na, kami gusto naming manalo. Nothing to lose, but big time playing the game."
Ongotan had 16 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Geronimo had 14 points, two rebounds, and an assist as the Chiefs slain another giant in Benilde.
Liwag posted 18 points and 17 rebounds for Benilde but it went to naught with the loss. Cometa chipped in 15, while Sanchez added 10 points.
The Chiefs will now await for the second round schedule, while Benilde will still face Jose Rizal University on Tuesday.
Scores:
Arellano 73 - Ongotan 16, Geronimo 14 Abiera 10, Capulong 8, Valencia 8, Vinoya 7, Hernal 5, Libang 4, Borromeo 1, Dela Cruz 0, Camay 0.
Benilde 71 - Liwag 18, Cometa 15, Sanchez 10, Torres 9, Oli 7, Ondoa 3, Morales 3, Ancheta 2, Cajucom 2, Turco 2, Sangco 0, Eusebio 0.
Quarters: 23-11, 40-39, 56-58, 73-71.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
