Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Levi dela Cruz sparked Arellano’s fourth quarter assault as the Chiefs finally snapped a four-game losing slide with a come-from-behind 87-81 victory over St. Benilde Friday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The 22-year-old playmaker fired 12 of his 24 points in the payoff period, to go with four assists, three rebounds, and a block to help complete the Chiefs’ fightback from 16-points down, 39-23, midway in the second quarter.
Dela Cruz triggered Arellano’s telling 15-2 run that turned a 69-63 deficit in the final 7:17 to a 78-71 lead, capped off by his back-to-back treys with 2:57 remaining.
“I was surprised with his performance. I hope he consistently does this,” said coach Jerry Codiñera of his guard in Filipino.
Lervin Flores added a double-double of 14 markers, 11 boards, and two blocks, while Kent Salado got nine points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Arellano finally broke out of its funk and rose to 3-5, just in time for its first round-ending duel against reigning champion San Beda on Tuesday.
“At least, this was what we’re waiting for. When I woke up earlier, I had a good feeling that we’ll finally get the win,” said Codiñera.
Clement Leutcheu topped St. Benilde (2-7) with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Edward Dixon got 14 markers and 14 boards as the Blazers stumbled to their third straight defeat to finish the first round.
The Scores:
ARELLANO 87 – Dela Cruz 24, Flores 14, Salado 9, Alcoriza 8, Enriquez 7, Nicholls 7, Concepcion 6, Cañete 4, Meca 4, Taywan 4, Filart 0, Ongolo Ongolo 0, Padilla 0, Viloria 0.
ST. BENILDE 81 – Leutcheu 21, Dixon 14, Domingo 10, Sta. Maria 10, Naboa 9, Castor 8, Pili 6, San Juan 3, Young 0.
Quarters: 19-20, 35-47, 58-62, 87-81.