Lorenz Capulong had himself a game, propelling Arellano University to a dramatic 91-86 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University in the NCAA Season 100 on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Capulong erupted for a career-high 30 points together with 16 rebounds as the Chiefs improved to 4-8 to keep their Final Four hopes alive.
The Pirates, who lost JM Bravo late in the game, dropped to 6-6.
“Unang-una ‘yun kasi ‘yung pinractice namin, ‘yung endgame namin. Kasi doon kami laging sumasablay,” Arellano coach Chico Manabat said.
“Siguro binigay sa amin ‘yung breaks and chance to win the game.”
Amidst a big game from its big man, Arellano still had to weather a late rally from LPU.
Capulong’s five straight points saw the Chiefs roaring to an 84-76 lead in the final 4:07 of the fourth. However, the Pirates, who were already without their team captain Greg Cunan after the graduating guard was ejected due to two unsportsmanlike fouls, staged a fightback.
They unleashed a wild 10-3 run capped by a three-point play from John Barba to force an 86-all deadlock in the final 1:21.
Arellano hung tough with EJ Geronimo going for a turnaround jumper before Basti Valencia found the running Renzo Abiera who would complete the final layup.
Barba paced LPU in the loss, churning out 18 points while Bravo finished with 15 markers, eight rebounds, and three assists.
Scores:
Arellano 91 – Capulong 30, Vinoya 14, Valencia 9, Miller 9, Borromeo 7, Abiera 4, Camay 4, Geronimo 4, Hernal 3, Flores 3, Libang 2, Ongotan 2, Rosalin 0.
LPU 86 – Barba 18, Bravo 17, Villegas 15, Montaño 10, Daileg 9, Peñafiel 5, Aviles 4, Versoza 4, Panelo 4, Pallingayan 0, Moralejo 0, Cunanan 0.
Quarters: 26-17, 54-46, 72-68, 91-86.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
