Donald Gumaru of Arellano University. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
Arellano University notched its fourth straight victory with a 104-92 win over San Sebastian College on Friday in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena.
The Chiefs waxed hot from rainbow country in the payoff period behind Donald Gumaru, Dioncee Holts, and Zach Nicholls, drilling six treys to take a 10-point lead, 97-87 going into the final two minutes.
Bradwyn Guinto and Michael Calisaan, however, still tried to bring San Sebastian back to cut Arellano’s lead down in the final minute, slicing the deficit to just five, 97-92 with 33.1 to play.
Unfortunately for San Sebastian, Holts, Michael Salado, and Allen Enriquez were cool customers from the line as the Chiefs ran away with the victory.
“We’re improving. I knew San Sebastian will put up a good fight and we delivered,” said coach Jerry Codinera.
Holts led the Chiefs with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds, alongside five steals, three assists, and two blocks.
Gumaru went 3-of-3 from beyond the arc and had 13 points, as Nicholls also got 13 on a 3-of-8 shooting from threes.
Enriquez and Salado also had 13 markers apiece.
Though struggling to get himself going, Jiovani Jalalon still found a way to make his imprint as he anchored the offense, dishing a season-high 16 assists to go with eight points, six rebounds, and three steals.
Guinto paced San Sebastian (1-4) with a huge double-double of 26 points and 18 rebounds, as Calisaan finished with 20.
The scores:
ARELLANO 104—Holts 21, Nicholls 13, Gumaru 13, Enriquez 13, Salado 13, Zamora 9, Jalalon 8, Ortega 5, Bangga 4, Meca 3, Cadavis 2, Ongolo-Ongolo 0, Tano 0
SAN SEBASTIAN 92—Guinto 26, Calisaan 20, Ortuoste 17, Costelo 9, Pretta 9, Fabian 2, Bragais 2, David 2, Mercado 2, Sibal 0, Vera 0, Capobres 0
Quarters: 23-21, 43-39, 69-66, 104-92