Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Arellano barged back into the win column after defeating Jose Rizal University, 62-52, in the second round of the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Sunday.
The Chiefs bounced back from their 71-66 loss to San Sebastian on Friday and now hold a 6-8 record.
“It’s good that they listened to me today. Although our lead was lessened in the last two minutes, I told them not to panic and we will get looks inside. Their defense was really tough,” coach Cholo Martin said.
Axel Doromal finished with a game-high 17 points, including a layup that gave the Chiefs a 56-52 lead with 1:26 left and a pair of free throws to deny the Heavy Bombers’ comeback bid.
Travis Mantua helped Arellano’s cause with 12 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Chiefs won despite getting out-rebounded, 56-33.
John Amores had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds for JRU, which dropped to 6-6.
The Scores:
ARELLANO 62 — Doromal 17, Mantua 12, Sunga 9, Abastillas 8, Mallari 5, Oliva 5, Talampas 3, Tolentino 3, Oftana 0.
JRU 52 — Amores 12, Dionisio 9, Miranda 8, Guiab 6, Delos Santos 5, Sy 5, Dela Rosa 3, Arenal 2, Celis 2, Medina 0, Tan 0.
Quarters: 17-20, 27-28, 53-44, 62-52.