Bombers nip Chiefs; Cards repulse Altas

IT WAS a showdown that had all the ingredients of a classic—heroic performances, clutch baskets and controversy.

Gio Lasquety knocked in a couple of free throws with 1.2 seconds remaining in the second overtime as Jose Rizal U outlasted Arellano, 114-112, yesterday to gain a share of fourth spot in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

But the Chiefs put the game under protest later on, claiming that a Tey Teodoro triple that was later downgraded into a two-point shot altered their game plan in the dying seconds of the second overtime.

Later, Mapua held its ground in the face of a late Perpetual Help surge to come away with a 70-65 victory and spoil the Altas’ bid to gain a share of top spot.

Allwell Oraeme, the MVP race leader, tallied 19 points and 17 rebounds as the Cardinals recovered their bearings just in time to improve to 5-5. The Altas fell to solo third with a 7-3 slate.

The Chiefs were forced to commit a foul on Lasquety after Jiovani Jalalon made a triple to make it 113-112. But officials later replayed Teodoro’s shot which turned out to be a two-pointer for a 112-112 tie.

Jalalon, however, had already committed a duty foul on Lasquety before the officials downgraded the triple. The loss put to naught a superb effort from Jalalon who finished with 36 points, 16 assists and seven rebounds.

The scores:
First Game
JRU 114—Pontejos 32, Poutouochi 21, Teodoro 16, Astilla 10, Dela Paz 10, Cruz 9, Lasquety 8, Dela Virgen 3, Grospe 2, Sanchez 2, Abdulwahab 1, Estrella 0.
ARELLANO 112—Jalalon 36, Holts 21, Nicholls 20, Enriquez 10, Bangga 9, Cadavis 6, Meca 5, Salado 3, Ortega 2, Capara 0, Gumaru 0.
Quarters: 19-21, 40-35, 66-63, 87-87, 98-98 (reg.), 114-112 (OT)
Second Game
MAPUA 70—Oraeme 19, Biteng 12, Serrano 11, Nieles 9, Menina 9, Brana 4, Que 4, Aguirre 2, Dela Rosa 0, Raflores 0.
PERPETUAL HELP 65—Akhuetie 18, Thompson 14, Dangangon 11, Dizon 5, Eze 4, Oliveria 4, Sadiwa 3, Bantayan 2, Coronel 2, Gallardo 2, Cabiltes 0, Elopre 0, Tamayo 0, Ylagan 0.
Quarters: 20-13, 46-29, 59-42, 70-65