Arellano banks on strong start to thrash JRU

MANILA, Philippines – James Forrester scored 21 points as quarterfinals-bound Arellano University beat Jose Rizal University, 83-67, to remain unbeaten against fellow NCAA teams Saturday in the FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

Forrester went 10-of-11 at the free throw line and also collected five rebounds and two assists for the Chiefs, who edged NCAA champion San Beda, 67-66, last Wednesday.

“The first time I saw them play, I thought JRU has a formidable lineup considering that they have a lot of rookies, I believe they can compete. As much as possible I tried to prepare my players physically and mentally,” said Arellano coach Koy Banal.

“Good thing we were able to start strong and were able to get enough cushion.”

John Pinto put up another all-around performance with 16 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals to help Arellano wrap up its elimination round campaign with an impressive 6-2 record, 4-0 against NCAA squads.

The Chiefs, who led, 25-5, early, controlled the boards with a 49-37 edge that resulted to 16 second chance points.

Marco Balagtas paced the struggling Heavy Bombers with 15 points and six rebounds off the bench.