Lorenz Capulong was simply unstoppable on Saturday afternoon, delivering a dominant performance with 30 points and 16 rebounds to lead Arellano University to a 91-86 upset over Lyceum of the Philippines University in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Capulong’s dominance in the paint played a crucial role in helping the Chiefs avenge their first-round overtime loss to the Pirates, where they fell 90-86 for their fourth straight defeat.
Arellano led for most of the game and held a 15-point advantage at one point. However, Lyceum clawed their way back, tying the game at 86-86 with just 1:26 left after an 8-2 run.
With the Pirates threatening to take the lead, Ernest Geronimo stepped up and sliced into the paint, sinking a clutch floater to put the Chiefs ahead, 88-86.
Arellano followed that up with a critical defensive stop before Renzo Abiera converted a transition layup, extending the lead to 90-86 with just 31 seconds remaining.
The Chiefs’ defense held firm in the final moments, preventing any further scoring from the Pirates and sealing the victory.
In addition to Capulong’s stellar play, Maverick Vinoya made significant contributions, posting 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Dre Miller and Troy Valencia added nine points each, further bolstering the Chiefs’ effort.
With the win, Arellano improved to a 4-8 record, moving up to eighth place in the standings, just behind the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
The Chiefs have a chance to overtake the Altas when they face off on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.
Lyceum’s loss was further compounded by a late-game injury to JM Bravo, who was knocked unconscious with just eight seconds left on the clock and had to be stretchered off the court. Saturday’s game was only his third since returning from a spine injury. Bravo finished with 17 points and eight rebounds before his exit.
John Barba led the Pirates with 18 points and four steals, while Renz Villegas and Gyle Montano contributed 15 and 10 points, respectively.
Lyceum’s record dropped to 6-6, tying them with Letran for fourth place in the standings.
The Pirates will next face the league-leading College of Saint Benilde on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.
The Scores:
Arellano 91 – Capulong 30, Vinoya 14, Valencia 9, Miller 9, Borromeo 7, Abiera 4, Camay 4, Geronimo 4, Hernal 3, Flores 3, Libang 2, Ongotan 2, Rosalin 0
Lyceum 86 – Barba 18, Bravo 17, Villegas 15, Montaño 10, Daileg 9, Peñafiel 5, Aviles 4, Versoza 4, Panelo 4, Pallingayan 0, Moralejo 0, Cunanan 0
Quarterscores: 26-17, 54-46, 72-68, 91-86
