NCAA: Arellano survives Jose Rizal

MANILA, Philippines – Gerald Lapuz forced extra session as he salvaged Arellano University from an end game meltdown to a 79-75 win over Jose Rizal University Wednesday in the NCAA Season 87 at the Arena in San Juan.

Lapuz, the burly slotman, rebounded a missed free throw and went coast-to-coast for the stop-and-pop triple that banked in as time expired with both squads knotted at 71.

It was a nip-and-tuck affair even in overtime as both teams changed leads, with Arellano taking the final advantage off a free throw from Prince Caperal, 76-75.

The Chiefs actually led 63-56 at the tailend of the fourth period, with all the momentum on their side.

But the Heavy Bombers came back and gained the upper hand, 71-68, courtesy of veteran playmaker Alex Almario.

Almario however, failed to ice the game as his second freebie rimmed out that eventually set up the game-tying triple by Lapuz.

Explosive guard Vergel Zulueta topscored for the Chiefs with 21 points and four rebounds.

It marked the first win by Arellano over JRU in the NCAA since the Chiefs joined the tournament in 2009.

Arellano improved to 1-1, while JRU dropped to 0-2.