Final 4: Knights out; Altas nail it

MAPUA’S Denniel Aguirre (right) disputes the rebound with Letran’s Felix Apreku in yesterday’s game. AUGUST DELACRUZ

THE LATEST twist in the 92nd NCAA season saw the defending champion getting booted out by the same team they dealt a painful exit last season and one more team reaching the Final Four even after a defeat.

Fuelled by bitter memories of last year’s Final Four loss, Mapua snuffed out Letran’s bid for back-to-back crowns with a pulsating 77-72 victory yesterday, even as Perpetual Help booked a return ticket to the postseason despite losing to Lyceum at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Just hours after suffering a 61-64 defeat to the Pirates, the Altas got a free ride to the Final Four when the Arellano Chiefs overcame a gutsy stand by the Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers for a 79-68 win in a game where Jio Jalalon again flashed his brilliance.

Raising their record to 13-3, the Chiefs are now assured of a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinal round. But their victory meant more to the Altas, who advanced despite dropping to 11-5.

The loss pushed the Heavy Bombers to the brink of elimination with a 9-8 card with two games remaining in their schedule.

Reigning MVP Allwell Oraeme finished with 21 points and grabbed 26 rebounds, while Joseph Eriobu, Darrel Menina and Denniel Aguirre shot 12 points each as the Cardinals moved within a win of gaining the Final Four.

Menina broke a 67-all tie with a triple, before Oraeme scored the next four points as the Knights offense fizzled out at crunchtime.

Mapua can secure the last postseason slot with a victory against winless St. Benilde tomorrow.

“It’s a great feeling; this is a more satisfying win for us,” said the 6-foot-9 Oraeme.

Jalalon took charge down the stretch, scoring or assisting on the Chiefs’ last 13 points, after the Bombers came within 64-69 on a three-point play from Paolo Pontejos. Jalalon tallied 18 points and dished out 11 assists while teammate Kent Salado recorded a game-high 22 points.