The Arellano University Chiefs survived a furious Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirate-rally in an 81-74 thriller to keep pace with the Perpetual Altas, Tuesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Having to step up for the foul-plagued birthday boy Jio Jalalon, Dioncee Holts played his best game of the season, dropping 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting, grabbing 15 rebounds, and adding a couple of blocks to his statline.
“Finally, he was able to play just like a rookie,” said a relieved coach Jerry Codinera about his foreign student-athlete. “So siyempre masaya. Even if its late in the first round, he’s still there for the team.”
Holding a 58-56 lead early in the final frame, the Chiefs went on a 10-1 rally instigated by back-to-back threes by Kraniel Villoria and Dioncee Holts, giving Arellano an 11-point edge, 68-57, with 6:41 remaining in the game.
The Chiefs continued to hold on to a double-digit lead for the next four minutes as the Pirates settled for outside jumpers. Fortunately for Lyceum, Harry Nzeusseu was there to keep the game from turning into a blowout.
“It’s an import-dominated tournament so makikita mo yung mga teams na may dominating imports, talagang nasa taas halos,” Codinera said about the 21-year-old Lyceum big man. “We just continue ‘yung mga positive things na nangyayari sa amin.”
With 1:28 remaining, the Pirates were finally able to make stops on the defensive end. This helped spur a 10-1 Lyceum rally, with eight points coming from Nzeusseu, to cut the lead to just three points, 76-79, with 20.3 ticks remaining in regulation.
In the following possession, Lervin Flores committed a costly turnover that lead to a steal by Reymar Caduyac. A slip by Shaq Alanes afterwards caused him to drop the ball. Fortunately, the ball bounced off of Villoria to keep the possession in Lyceum’s favor. Moreover, it gave Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson the opportunity to bring on gunslinger Wilson Baltazar.
“Medyo nagkaroon ng kaunting bad passes,” Codinera rued. “Medyo minsan nagkakaroon ng lapses kami especially sa guards.”
Caduyac, who had been just 2-for-14 from the field prior to the play, gained possession of the ball and heaved the potential game-tying three with two seconds remaining on the clock. However, the shot was way left. Free throws by 23-year-old Jio Jalalon sealed the win for the Chiefs.
Kent Salado added 17 points for the Chiefs. Jio Jalalon finished the game with 13 points and seven assists.
For the Pirates, Nzeusseu notched another double-double with 24 points and 17 rebounds. Shaq Alanes added 14 points, but was just 1-for-8 from distance.
Surprisingly, the Chiefs out-rebounded the Pirates, 56-54. Moreover, Lyceum shot a dismal 13-for-26 from the stripe in the game, which proved to be the difference.
The Arellano Chiefs (6-2) play their final game of the first round against the JRU Heavy Bombers on Friday, August 5 at 4:00pm. The Lyceum Pirates (3-5) face the Letran Knights (5-2) on the same day at 12:00nn.
The Scores:
AU (81) – Holts 20, Salado 17, Jalalon 13, Nicholls 11, Flores 10, Cadavis 4, Villoria 3, Meca 2, Aguilar 1, Gumaru 0, Gupilan 0, Enriquez 0, Canete 0.
LPU (76) – Nzeusseu 24, Alanes 14, Ayaay 8, Magbuhos 8, Marata 6, Serafico 6, Caduyac 5, Baltazar 3, Soliman 2, Alban 0, Malabanan 0.
Quarterscores: 16-14, 37-29, 58-54, 81-76.
