By: Brenn Allen Flores
Arellano University capitalized late in the game to stun league-leading College of Saint Benilde, 73-71, concluding their Round 1 campaign in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
With this victory, the Chiefs – who had defeated the defending champions, the San Beda Red Lions, just six days earlier – ended Round 1 with a 3-5 win-loss record.
“Walang sikreto kung hindi pusong palaban at preparasyon,” said Chiefs coach Chico Manabat. “Sila kasi kumpiyansa, kami gusto namin manalo. Nothing to lose but everything to gain.”
Trailing 66-67 with less than three minutes remaining, Maverick Vinoya made his only field goal of the game – a crucial three-pointer that gave Arellano the lead.
Jaedan Ongotan followed with two free throws to extend the Chiefs’ advantage.
“Pinapractice ko talaga yung jumper na iyon kaya sabi ni coach itira mo lang,” Vinoya said.
In response, Matthew Oli sank two free throws to halt Benilde’s scoring drought.
With Arellano leading 73-69 thanks to a jumper from Ernest Geronimo, Jhomel Ancheta showcased his late-game heroics. He scored a layup to narrow the gap to 73-71 with just 25.2 seconds remaining.
However, Ongotan was fouled by Allen Liwag and missed both of his free throws, allowing Benilde another chance to equalize.
Ancheta received the ball with eight seconds left but struggled to create space due to Vinoya’s stellar defense. He eventually passed to Justine Sanchez, who missed a contested jumper, sealing the victory for Arellano.
The Blazers dropped to 6-2, still at the top of the table.
Despite only converting 17 of their 32 free throws and allowing 50 rebounds, Arellano made the most of Benilde’s 24 turnovers, scoring 31 points off those mistakes.
The Blazers faced difficulties early in the game, particularly with Tony Ynot sidelined due to the flu.
They shot just 22.2-percent from the field in the first quarter, allowing Arellano to take an early lead of 23-11.
However, Benilde rebounded in the second frame as Allen Liwag scored nine points, trimming the deficit to just one point at halftime, 40-39.
Tied at 47 midway through the third quarter, Benilde went on an 11-2 run to gain a 58-49 advantage.
Yet, Lorenz Capulong and Ernest Geronimo quickly halted the Blazers’ momentum, cutting the lead to two points heading into the final quarter.
Ongotan led the Chiefs with 16 points on 50-percent shooting, while Geronimo contributed 14 points.
Liwag delivered 18 points and secured a career-high 17 rebounds, to go with two blocks.
In Ynot’s absence, Cometa stepped up, adding 15 points, while Justin Sanchez finished with 10 points and four rebounds.
Looking ahead, Benilde will aim to bounce back in their Round 1 closer against Jose Rizal University on Tuesday. The game will take place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
Arellano 73 – Ongotan 16, Geronimo 14, Abiera 10, Capulong 8, Valencia 8, Vinoya 7, Hernal 5, Libang 4, Borromeo 1, Dela Cruz 0, Camay 0
St. Benilde 71 – Liwag 18, Cometa 15, Sanchez 10, Torres 9, Oli 7, Ondoa 3, Morales 3, Ancheta 2, Cajucom 2, Turco 2, Sangco 0, Eusebio 0
Quarterscores: 23-11, 40-39, 56-58, 73-71
