Photo from NCAA
MANILA, Philippines-University of Perpetual Help System Dalta got the needed breaks from veterans Jielo Razon and Kim Aurin to push Arellano University out of the play-in picture, 59-52, Sunday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
Aurin refused to end his collegiate career early, dropping a game-high 16 points off the bench, including Perpetual’s last seven points that assured them of progressing to the next phase of the playoffs.
Razon likewise came alive in the final quarter, hitting the go-ahead basket that fueled a dazzling finishing kick and feeding big man Mark Omega twice beneath the rim as the Altas arranged another do-or-die contest on Wednesday against the College St. Benilde Blazers.
Though the San Beda Red Lions earlier outlasted the Blazers, 63-57, the latter still remained in the hunt for a Final Four spot.
The survivor between the Blazers and the Altas will advance to the semifinals opposite the unbeaten Letran Knights, whose 9-0 record gifted them with a twice-to-beat advantage.
His head bowed and covered with a towel, Justin Arana capped his collegiate stint with nine points and 17 rebounds for the Chiefs, who fought gallantly for three quarters before knocking down only four field goals in the final period.
The scores:
PERPETUAL 59 — Aurin 16, Razon 10, Martel 10, Omega 8, Pagaran 7, Barcuma 6, Egan 2, Abis 0, Cuevas 0, Nunez 0, Sevilla 0.
ARELLANO 52 — Sta. Ana 12, Arana 9, Concepcion 8, Sablan 7, Cruz 5, Oliva 4, Caballero 2, Valencia 2, Doromal 2, Steinl 1, Carandang 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarters: 13-14, 25-24, 44-43, 59-52.