ARELLANO’S Levi Hernandez (top) charges into the defense of St. Benilde’s Ralf Deles. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Arellano drew another superb effort from Prince Caperal to repulse already-eliminated St. Benilde, 76-70, last night and keep its faint Final Four hopes alive in the 89th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
One of the collegiate standouts being considered for the national squad to the Southeast Asian Games, Caperal proved his worth anew by finishing with 25 points, including 10 in the final period that helped the Chiefs extend their winning streak to three games and improve to 7-9.
John Pinto pumped in 13 points with nine coming in the second half, while Levi Hernandez and Keith Agovida wound up with 12 apiece for the Chiefs, who need to sweep their last two games and hope that San Sebastian and EAC don’t go beyond nine wins to force a playoff for the last Final Four spot.
“It’s a long shot and no longer in our hands,” said coach Koy Banal of their Final Four chances. “We just need to stay focused and finish at least in the Top 6 for us to have a chance in the PCCL (Philippine Collegiate Champions League).”
A revelation in the second round for the Chiefs, the 6-foot-5 Caperal also grabbed eight rebounds and hit 10 of 11 foul shots.
“He’s been rewarded for his hard work,” said coach Koy Banal of his prized center.
“I’m just happy with the trust and confidence of coach and my teammates,” said Caperal.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair right from the start, before the Chiefs got the cushion they needed when James Forrester knocked in a three-pointer with 1:55 remaining that extended their lead to 73-66.
With Mark Romero hounded by foul trouble, Paolo Taha almost singlehandedly carried the Blazers in the final period, where he poured in eight of his team-high 20 points.
A jumper by Taha put the Blazers within 60-63 with 6:52 remaining, before Agovida and Caperal nailed back-to-back baskets to restore order for the Chiefs, who won three straight for the first time since Banal took over last season.
“It’s good to experience (three straight wins),” said Banal. “Before the game, we talked about how we’re going to follow up the win against EAC.”
With the victory, the Chiefs already surpassed their win total from last season with games against Jose Rizal U and San Beda remaining in their schedule.
The scores:
First Game
ARELLANO 76—Caperal 25, Pinto 13, Hernandez 12, Agovida 12, Jalalon 6, Forrester 6, Gumaru 2, Salcedo 0, Serjue 0, Cadavis 0, Enriquez 0.
ST. BENILDE 70—Taha 20, Grey 13, Romero 12, Saavedra 9, Jonson 5, Garcia 5, Deles 4, Sinco 2, Nayve 0, Bartolo 0, Argamino 0, Carlos 0, De Guzman 0.
Quarters: 12-17, 36-35, 55-54, 76-70