Arellano came storming back from 17 points down to defeat Perpetual Help, 76-72, and end the first round on a high note in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday.
The Chiefs found the will to bounce back from the 98-79 clobbering they got from San Beda last Friday, but needed a fierce second turnaround to snatch their fourth win against five defeats.
From a 17-34 disadvantage in the second quarter, Arellano slowly chipped away at the lead and tied the game at 70 before making crucial stops in the end game.
“Coming from that big 50-point game by Bolick, we were really down and hurt,” said coach Jerry Codinera. “Way to bounce back with this down-to-the-wire finish.”
The last time the Chiefs took the floor, they let Robert Bolick drop 50 points—37 in the second half-on them in a career-best performance for the Red Lions.
The Altas, meanwhile, absorbed their second straight loss as they were unable to stop Kraniel Villoria and Maui Sera Josef from rallying the Chiefs. Villoria and Josef combined for 29 points.
Perpetual Help dropped to 5-4 at the fifth spot with Arellano trailing behind.