KEITH Agovida of Arellano blocks Daryl Singontiko of Letran in yesterday’s match at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
With its offense sputtering, Arellano put emphasis on defense down the stretch to hack out a thrilling 63-62 triumph over Letran yesterday and solidify its hold of second spot in the 90th NCAA basketball at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
American rookie Dioncee Holts swatted away Ford Ruaya’s potential game-winning shot under the basket in the dying seconds, allowing the Chiefs to survive the absence of ace playmaker Jiovani Jalalon in the final period and escape with their sixth victory in eight games.
Later, Emilio Aguinaldo College finally got its act together in the final period as it notched a convincing 89-78 victory over Mapua to end a five-game slide.
John Tayongtong and Jan Jamon fired personal season-bests of 23 and 21 points, respectively, as the Generals collected just their second win in seven games, tying the Knights at eighth spot.
The Cardinals clawed their way back from an early double-digit deficit to move within seven points late in the third period, before Tayongtong and Jamon quelled the comeback with timely baskets in the final quarter.
The backcourt duo joined forces for 19 points as the Generals finished the game with aplomb.
“My players finally showed what they are capable of doing,” said EAC coach Gerry Esplana. “The win is good for our confidence.”
Holts’ block capped a superb defensive sequence for the Chiefs in the Knights’ final play. Overjoyed by the victory, coach Jerry Codiñera even jumped to touch the rim in celebration.
Jalalon, who had 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists, left the game with 6:05 remaining, after getting slapped with consecutive fouls, the last a technical for resentment to a call on his fourth foul.
“Losing Jalalon was a setback for us, but I’m glad the players responded with good defense in the final minutes,” said Codiñera.
Keith Agovida finished with 14 points, including the marginal basket with 44 seconds remaining off a feed from John Pinto.
The scores:
First Game
ARELLANO U 63—Agovida 14, Jalalon 13, Pinto 9, Holts 9, Enriquez 8, Nicholls 3, Palma 2, Caperal 2, Gumaru 2, Salcedo 0, Ciriacruz 0, Bangga 0, Ortega 0.
LETRAN 62—Racal 14, Cruz 12, Nambatac 9, Ruaya 8, Publico 7, Castro 3, Gabawan 3, Singontiko 2, Calvo 0, Apreku 0, Tambeling 0.
Quarters: 8-16, 31-34, 48-49, 63-62
Second Game
EMILIO AGUINALDO 89—Tayongtong 23, Jamon 21, Happi 17, Onwubere 10, Aguilar 8, Arquero 4, Mejos 3, Santos 2, Pascual 1, Serrano 0.
MAPUA 78—Eriobu 19, Biteng 16, Isit 12, Gabo 9, Estrella 7, Saitanan 6, Serrano 5, Cantos 4, Canaynay 0, Layug 0, Galoso 0, Villasenor 0.
Quarters: 24-12, 43-33, 61-54, 89-78