Arellano stays alive for q’finals spot, grounds Mapua

Arellano University kept its playoff hopes alive in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup after dealing Mapua its seventh straight loss, 68-58, Wednesday in the group stages at the tournament’s namesake arena in San Juan.

The Chiefs improved to 3-4 in Group B putting them at sixth place while the Cardinals are yet to win a match with a miserable 0-7 record.

After starting 0-4, Jerry Codiñera’s group has went on to win three straight and the Arellano head coach said they’ve been adjusting to the exit of former superstar Jio Jalalon who now plays in the PBA.

“We’re the second-best team last year here in Filoil, and we’re still feeling the loss of Jio,” said Codiñera. “The team had an imbalance and we’re just hoping that the ones left behind can carry the team.”

Arellano shot poorly from the floor, 25-of-81, for a dismal 31 percent but the Chiefs had it covered grabbing 21 offensive rebounds.

Kent Salado had 17 points and six rebounds to lead Arellano while Lervin Flores had a 10-point, 20-rebound double-double.

Cedric Pelayo led Mapua with 13 points and nine rebounds.