Arellano Chiefs, CSB Blazers boost NCAA Final Four bids

MANILA, Philippines — Arellano University unleashed a blistering second half attack to trounce Letran, 79-70, Wednesday and strengthen its Final Four bid in the 90th NCAA basketball at Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Chiefs overcame a sluggish start, outscoring the Knights, 46-30, in the last two quarters to roll to their 12th win in 16 games and secure a playoff for a first Final Four appearance since joining the league in 2009.

The win also tightened Arellano’s grip at second behind San Beda (13-3).

Later, St. Benilde also sustained its Final Four push with a thrilling 71-69 triumph over the Jose Rizal U Bombers.

The Blazers limited JRU to just 13 points in the final period to complete a comeback from eight points down at the end of the third period.

They moved to solo third with a 10-6 slate even as the Bombers dropped into a tie for fourth spot with Perpetual Help at 9-6. The scores:

First Game

ARELLANO 79—Agovida 19, Pinto 12, Jalalon 10, Holts 10, Ciriacruz 8, Hernandez 6, Palma 4, Caperal 4, Gumaru 2, Salcedo 2, Bangga 1, Enriquez 1, Nicholls 0, Ortega 0.

LETRAN 70—Ruaya 20, Cruz 10, Gabawan 9, Quinto 7, Luib 6, Saldua 5, Calvo 3, Tambeling 3, Nambatac 3, Publico 2, Castro 2, Apreku 0, Singontiko 0.

Quarters: 11-23, 33-40, 58-58, 79-70

Second Game

1. BENILDE 71—Taha 16, Romero 14, Sinco 12, Saavedra 9, Grey 9, Ongteco 8, Altamirano 3, Jonson 0, Nayve 0, Pajarillaga 0, Bartolo 0.

JRU 69—Paniamogan 19, Teodoro 10, Mabulac 10, Sanchez 9, Abdulwahab 8, Grospe 6, Benavides 6, Lasquety 1, Salaveria 0, Balagtas 0, Asuncion 0.

Quarters: 14-17, 35-37, 48-56, 71-69