Arellano keeps Final Four hunt alive, routs St. Benilde

Kent Salado. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Arellano sent a strong message that it’s still alive and kicking with a 95-65 mauling of St. Benilde that kept its Final Four hopes alive in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

“It’s a very important win for us. I can’t exaggerate the gravity of this game because every game is a must win for us. It gives us hope coming to our game against San Sebastian,” said coach Jerry Codiñera.

Kent Salado led the Chiefs with 16 points and 11 assists, while Zach Nicholls went 3-of-6 from three to wound up with 13 markers, all coming in the second half when the game was already decided.

Lervin Flores added 12 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, as three other players notched double-digits in scoring.

With the win, Arellano forced a tie with EAC at sixth place with their identical 6-9 records.

Rence Alcoriza ignited the blowout as he unleashed nine of his 11 markers in the first quarter to help Arellano grab an early 28-16 lead it would no longer surrender.

Kendrix Belgica paced St. Benilde with 18 points and eight rebounds, while JJ Domingo had 14 markers, three assists, and two boards against seven turnovers.

The also-ran Blazers dropped their fourth straight defeat to fall down to a 3-13 slate.

The Scores:

ARELLANO 95 – Salado 16, Nicholls 13, Flores 12, Abanes 11, Alcoriza 11, Dela Cruz 11, Viloria 8, Cañete 4, Enriquez 4, Meca 3, Padilla 2, Concepcion 0, Ongolo Ongolo 0, Taywan 0, Filart 0.

ST. BENILDE 65 – Belgica 18, Domingo 14, Naboa 8, Dixon 5, Leutcheu 5, San Juan 4, Johnson 3, Sta. Maria 3, Young 3, Pili 2, Castor 0, Suarez 0, Velasco 0.

Quarters: 28-16, 47-33, 69-50, 95-65.