Bombers keep Final 4 bid alive, repulse Chiefs

MANILA, Philippines - Jeckster Apinan turned in a double-double performance to power Jose Rizal U past Arellano U, 79-69, in the 87th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Apinan took over and fired 15 points while grabbing 10 rebounds for the Bombers, who kept their slim Final Four hopes alive with a 4-9 slate.

Rookie Byron Villarias and Raycon Kabigting also stepped up and scored 13 points apiece for JRU, which struggled in the first two quarters before pouring on the heat in the second half.

The Bombers broke loose from a two-point game at the break and went on to post the win while dealing the Chiefs their 10th defeat against four wins.

Adrian Celada led Arellano with a game-high 19 points.

Jose Rizal is chasing Mapua (6-6), St. Benilde (5-8) and Lyceum (5-8) for the last seat in the semifinals.

In the other game, Emilio Aguinaldo leaned on Franz Chiong’s season best effort as it held off Perpetual Help, 77-71, to likewise stay in the Final Four race.

Chiong sizzled with 19 points, including 10 in the third quarter when the Generals seized the initiative they sustained to tie Jose Rizal U in seventh.

Harold Arboleda made 12 points while Jet Vidal and George Allen chipped in 10 points each for the Altas, who took their 11th loss against three wins.