Arellano and San Sebastian pulled off decisive victories even minus their top guns in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Chiefs, whose ace guard Jiovani Jalalon continues to see action with the national team in Bangkok, scuttled University of the Philippines, 75-61, to stay on top with a 5-1 card.
Filling the void left by Jalalon, Donald Gumaru and Kent Salado helped the Chiefs erect a 39-27 lead at halftime and combined for 23 points.
The Stags likewise played without top forward Michael Calisaan in their 80-70 disposal of Perpetual Help in the first game.
Alvin Capobres and Jerrick Fabian dropped 20 points each as the duo sparked the Stags’ fourth-quarter outburst to race to a 67-56 advantage.
San Sebastian coach Egay Macaraya said the Stags (3-3) need to sustain their effort with Calisaan, who averaged 18.2 points and six rebounds, out of action due to injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident.
The Altas (4-2) also played undermanned as big men Bright Akhuetie competed in another tournament and Prince Eze was under the weather.
“This was a good win for us. Perpetual Help is a very good team even without their imports,” said Macaraya.
Action heats up on Sunday as collegiate basketball’s biggest rivalries take centerstage in a heavy five-game bill.
UAAP heavyweights Ateneo and La Salle clash at 4 p.m. this Sunday.
Also expected to figure in a fierce battle are NCAA champion Letran and powerhouse San Beda at 2 p.m.
Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson, the Los Angeles Lakers star who arrived in Manila yesterday, is expected to watch some of the games this Sunday.
The scores:
First Game
SAN SEBASTIAN 80—Fabian 20, Capobres 20, Serajosef 11, Mercado 6, Ilagan 6, Bulanadi 5, Gayosa 4, Quipse 4, Baetiong 2, Valdez 2, Costelo 0, David 0, Miguel 0, Johnson 0.
PERPETUAL HELP 70— Dagangon 16, Coronel 11, Sadiwa 10, Dizon 9, Ylagan 8, Yuhico 5, Gallardo 4, Pido 4, Mangalino 3, Singontiko 0, Lucente 0.
Quarters: 12-18, 33-27, 59-55, 80-70
Second Game
ARELLANO 75—Gumaru 12, Salado 11, Enriquez 9, Nicholls 9, Meca 7, Flores 7, Alcoriza 6, Holts 4, Ongolo 3, Aguilar 2, Gupilan 2, Abanes 2, Viloria 1, Rivera 0.
UP 61—Moralde 15, Desiderio 11, Dario 10, Harris 6, Webb 5, Lao 4, Battad 4, Asilum 2, Longa 2, Vito 2, Ong 0, Abarcar 0, Espanola 0.
Quarters: 16-15, 39-27, 52-46, 75-61