Bombers survive Chiefs, grab lead

MANILA, Philippines - John Wilson fired eight of his game-high 26 points in the fourth quarter as Jose Rizal U turned back a pesky Arellano U, 88-82, yesterday to wrest the solo lead in the 85th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Wilson eluded his defenders to knock in the big baskets in the fourth period, virtually dashing the hopes of the Chiefs, whose defense slowed down the Bombers and kept the game close throughout.

The fiery JRU guard also hauled down nine rebounds, and made seven assists, two steals and one shot block.

“He’s probably the hardest worker in the team,” said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia of Wilson, who also drew solid support from James Sena and Marvin Hayes.

It was Jose Rizal U’s fourth win in row, leaving erstwhile joint leader San Sebastian in second while dealing Arellano its second loss in four starts.

The power-playing Sena and Hayes had 17 and 16 points, respectively, and combined for 23 of the total team’s 43 rebounds, 18 more than Arellano.

“But I have to give it to Arellano, they played probably one of their best games so far,” said Vanguardia.

With their defense holding, the Chiefs forced the Bombers to commit 28 errors, leading to 34 fastbreak points.

Andrian Celada paced his team with 19 points while Leonard Anquillo, the smallest at 5-1 but probably one of the fastest players in the league, scattered 18 points.

In the other game, Perpetual Help relied on rookie Chrisper Elopre as it downed Angeles U Foundation, 94-84, to notch its first win in four games.

It was the Great Danes’ third setback against a win.