Arellano Chiefs defuse Bombers

Games tomorrow (The Arena, San Juan)

12 noon – St. Benilde vs San Beda

1:45 p.m. – Lyceum vs EAC

3:30 p.m. – Letran vs La Salle

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano U continued its impressive showing as it overpowered Jose Rizal, 83-67, to barge into the quarterfinals of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

University of the East pounced on La Salle’s endgame turnovers and eked out a 60-53 win to likewise advance to the playoff round with a 6-2 mark.

La Salle fell to No. 3 with a 5-1 record in Group B,  currently led by UAAP titlist Ateneo (6-1).

Fil-Canadian James Forrester led the attack with a game-high 21 points highlighted by 10-of-11 charities while John Pinto contributed 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals.

Arellano also got a lift from Gio Jalalon, who came through with 10 points, a game-best five steals and the same number of rebounds and assists plus a block, helping the Chiefs finish the elimination round at second in Group A with a 6-2 (win-loss) record behind National U (8-0).

“The good thing in this win is that we found some gems from our bench that we hope to utilize come the NCAA season,” said Arellano coach Koy Banal.

The lopsided win came just a few days after Arellano U pulled off a shock 67-66 triumph over reigning three-peat NCAA champion San Beda in a victory that underscored its competitiveness for the coming Season 89 cage wars.

The Lions bounced back from that stinging defeat by turning back a stubborn Perpetual Help, 82-75, to jump to joint third spot with Adamson on 4-2 slates in Group B.

Sophomore Francis Abarcar led the team with 22 points, Baser Amer produced 15 points, 10 caroms and five assists while Nigerian behemoth Ola Adeogun bounced back from a poor effort the last time out, piling up 13 points and 11 boards.