Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 10) – The Arellano University Chiefs are back in the win column of NCAA Season 97 after emerging victorious against the Mapua University Cardinals, 72-63, on Sunday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Versatile big man Justin Arana posted double-double figures of 17 points and 15 rebounds to help the Chiefs end their three-game losing skid and improve their win-loss slate to 2-3.
Arellano took control of the game early in the first quarter with Jordan Sta. Ana notching 10 of his 15 total markers in the first 10 minutes of action.
The Cardinals fought back to the tie the game at 28 in the second canto, but the Chiefs led by Arana and team captain Gelo Sablan converted their shots from smart offensive plays to nail the 41-35 halftime advantage.
In the third quarter, Arellano firmed up its position after increasing their lead to 14 points. Mapua mounted a mini scoring run, but it was not enough to reclaim the advantage.
Mapua again staged a huge comeback in the payoff period with a Rence Nocum bucket trimming their deficit down to two points, 60-62, in the last four minutes of the contest.
However, Arana asserted his might and scored six of Arellano’s last 10 points to clinch the victory.
The Chiefs displayed their shooting prowess against the Cardinals after converting 51.7% of their field goals, compared to the losing team’s measly 35.7% clip.
Warren Bonifacio led Mapua with 11 points and 10 rebounds as the Cardinals fell to their second straight loss after starting the season with a 3-0 slate.
The Cholo Martin-coached Arellano will attempt to establish their first winning streak of the season at the expense of undefeated San Beda on April 17, while Mapua seeks to bounce back against Perpetual Help on Wednesday.
The Scores:
ARELLANO 72 – Arana 17, Sta. Ana 15, Oliva 10, Doromal 9, Carandang 6, Sablan 4, Uri 4, Caballero 3, Cruz 2, Dela Cruz 2, Valencia 0
MAPUA 63 – Bonifacio 11, Pido 9, Nocum 9, Garcia 8, Agustin 7, Gamboa 7, Hernandez 7, Lacap 5, Mercado 0, Asuncion 0, Sual 0, Salenga 0, Milan 0
Quarterscores: 23-19, 41-35, 56-48, 72-63
