Arellano edges San Beda, 78-76, for top spot, twice-to-beat

JOVANI Jalalon of Arellano INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Arellano University Chiefs squeaked past the San Beda Red Lions, 78-76, to grab the No. 1 spot in the NCAA 90 men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan Saturday.

Ralph Salcedo scored the winning lay-up with 0.7 seconds left in the game off a steal from San Beda with 9.2 seconds left.

With the victory, the Chiefs, now at 13-4, also secured the twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs as San Beda slides to second with 13-5.

Dioncee Holts scored 19 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Chiefs while Nigerian import Ola Adeogun led the Red Lions with 23 markers.

The Scores:

Arellano (78) — Holts 19, Agovida 17, Ciriacruz 12, Pinto 10, Jalalon 8, Gumaru 4, Salcedo 2, Hernandez 2, Bangga 2, Palma 2, Nicholls 0, Caperal 0, Enriquez 0.

San Beda (76) — Adeogun 23, Amer 18, Dela Cruz 15, Sara 7, Tongco 4, A. Semerad 3, Mendoza 2, Pascual 2, Sorela 2, Koga 0, Mocon 0.

Quarters: 16-17, 39-32, 55-58, 78-76.