MANILA, Philippines – Rocky Acidre caught fire in the payoff period and towed Arellano to a 76-74 come-from-behind victory over Jose Rizal University Saturday in the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Cup.
Acidre unleashed one triple after another to help the Chiefs, who played sans head coach Koy Banal, claw back from a 53-65 deficit early in the fourth towards their second victory.
Arellano’s main man knocked down a triple with two minutes left to tie the match at 69-all, before both squads figured in a taut finish.
“I talked to the veterans and told them they needed to take charge,” said Eric Gonzales, who manned the sidelines in the absence of Banal.
“You can really count on Acidre to make those shots,” said Gonzales of Acidre, who had 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, along with six assists and three steals.
Ralph Salcedo, James Forrester and back up guard Nard Pinto also stepped up – getting crucial spots and rebounds in the winding seconds of the game.
Salcedo missed both freethrows with 2.7 seconds left, but Forrester was there to pick up the rebounds and secure the freethrows to ice the game.
The Bomber had a chance to send the game into overtime with six tenths of a second left but Philip Mabulac missed on a final heave as the time expired.
Nate Matute led with 21 points in a losing effort.
JRU is still in second spot in Group B despite the loss, while Arellano not far behind.