Arellano University pulled off a stunning upset against NCAA Seniors Basketball Champion San Beda University, escaping with a narrow 72-70 victory on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
This match also marked Arellano’s second upset over San Beda in two years.
In the previous season, the Chiefs had stolen a victory from the defending champions in the second round when Jade Talampas hit a game-winning three-pointer to secure a 74-72 triumph.
The history between these teams added an extra layer of intensity to Saturday’s matchup.
Following the game, Arellano head coach Chico Manabat praised his team’s effort, stating, “Nag prep talaga kami ng maayos and then meron kaming goal na kahit na nasa bottom tayo, ang importante ang mga lesson na binigay satin ng talo natin.
“Salute doon sa mga players and coaches talagang ang trabaho sila, hindi lang nagtrabaho pero talagang nagcommit na gusto nilang labanan yung defending champions,” the former NU Bulldog added.
Saturday’s game came down to the wire, reminiscent of their previous encounter.
The Chiefs managed to secure their largest lead at five points, 72-67, with 43 seconds left in the game after a remarkable one-handed hook shot by Lorenz Capulong over multiple San Beda defenders.
This lead, however, was soon threatened when Yukien Andrada drained a clutch triple, narrowing the gap to just two points at 72-70 with 37 seconds remaining.
In a tense moment, Renzo Abiera attempted to counter with a three-point shot, but it missed, leaving San Beda with a chance to tie or take the lead as the shot clock wound down.
As Bryan Sajonia drove toward the basket, multiple Arellano defenders converged on him, forcing him to find James Payosing underneath the hoop.
However, Payosing’s layup attempt went over the backboard, landing in the hands of Lorenz Capulong, who dribbled the ball out to the halfcourt to secure the win as time expired.
After the game, Capulong credited Manabat for instilling confidence in him during that crucial moment.
“Sabi ni coach makuha ko yung bola sa ibaba, akin yun strong ko yun eh, itira ko lagi pag nasa akin yung bola. Gusto ko ipasa pero sabi talaga ni coach, yun lagi yung pinapasok sa sarili ko eh, every time makuha ko yung bola sa baba, akin na ito, kayang kaya ko na ito,” said Capulong, who got 13 points and seven rebounds.
Jeadan Ongotan also contributed 13 points, Ernest Geronimo added 12 points, while Abiera chipped in nine, including two crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
With this victory, Arellano improved their record to 2-5, tying with San Sebastian College-Recoletos for ninth in the standings.
The Chiefs will look to build on this momentum as they aim for another upset against the Mapua Cardinals on Wednesday at 12:00 p.m.
On the other hand, Jomel Puno’s career-high 20 points for San Beda fell just short of clinching the victory.
RC Calimag was the only other Bedan to reach double digits, contributing 14 points.
San Beda’s record now stands at 3-3, placing them in a tie with Lyceum of the Philippines University for fifth in the standings.
The Red Lions will seek to bounce back on Tuesday against rivals Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights at 2:30 p.m.
The Scores:
Arellano 72 – Capulong 13, Ongotan 13, Geronimo 12, Abiera 9, Borromeo 7, Vinoya 6, Hernal 4, Libang 4, Acop 2, Valencia 2, Camay 0, Miller 0, Dela Cruz 0
San Beda 70 – Puno 20, RC Calimag 14, Sajonia 9, Andrada 9, Payosing 5, Celzo 4, Estacio 3, Royo 2, Gonzales 2, Songcuya 2, Tagle 0, Richi Calimag 0, Jalbuena 0, Sollano 0
Quarterscores: 19-24, 36-34, 50-50, 72-70
