Arellano University punished University of Perpetual Help System DALTA with its relentless defense, cruising to a 66-59 win in the NCAA Season 100 on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The Chiefs nearly held the ALTAs scoreless in the fourth quarter, outscoring Perpetual 18-4 as they copped their fifth win against eight losses behind a huge game from forward Maverick Vinoya, who posted 20 points together with four rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Perpetual, which squandered a double digit lead, fell to 5-8 in the presence of team manager and Ginebra star Scottie Thompson, who was in attendance for the first time this season.
"Siguro ngayon speechless pa rin ako kung anong nangyari and this is my first experience na nag-back-to-back wins ako, alam niyo naman na we're at the bottom," Arellano coach Chico Manabat said.
"Salute to my coaches, my players, and 'yung preparation talaga namin medyo matindi. Magagaling 'yung mga coaches ko ay may nangyaring magaganda."
Banking on its defense, the Chiefs didn't allow the ALTAs to convert any field goal for almost eight minutes, during which they unleashed a 23-9 rampage to secure a 59-55 lead early in the fourth period.
Renzo Abiera made crucial baskets in that juncture with back-to-back three-pointers to fuel the rally.
T-mc Ongotan then came alive, knocking down back-to-back baskets before Joseph Hernal's split sent the Chiefs to a 64-57 cushion with 1:13 to go.
Perpetual had the chance to slice the deficit, but the ALTAs failed to secure the rebound after Ongotan missed both of his free throws in the final 16 seconds. EJ Geronimo sank his own pair of free throws to seal the deal as Perpetual only scored four points in the payoff period.
Ongotan finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block while Abiera tallied 10 markers.
John Abis paced Perpetual with 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists while rookie Mark Gojo Cruz added 11 markers, six boards, and one dime.
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—JMB, GMA Integrated News
