Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — After what was a lackluster showing in their first match, the Arellano University Chiefs squeezed into the win column of season 91 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) after getting past the Lyceum Pirates, 80-78, on Friday (July 3) at the San Juan Arena.
After building a 51-35 lead at halftime, the Chiefs looked to hold on for an easy win, but the Pirates fought back to push the Chiefs to the very end.
With less than 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Lyceum fought their way to trail, 80-78. Solid defense by the Pirates denied the Chiefs to put the game to bed.
With 3.4 ticks remaining on the clock, the Pirates were not able to come up with a bucket to extend or win the game.
The Chiefs were led by 20 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds by Jiovani Jalalon.
In the second game, Perpetual Help Altas racked up their second straight win at the expense of the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 77-69.
Bright Akhuetie shone the brightest as he carried the Altas on his broad shoulders with 44 points, the highest output since Jose Rizal University’s John Wilson scattered 48 markers.
Akhuetie set the tables up for the breakaway, dropping 20 points in his first 13 minutes while the Altas took control the rest of the way.
Perpetual dealt Benilde its second straight loss in the post-Paolo Taha era.
Letran Knights made short work of JRU Heavy Bombers, 78-62, in the third game.
The Knights, who are now backed by Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, rolled on to their second straight win.
