Chiefs inflict Cards 5th loss

Games Monday (The Arena)

12 p.m. - EAC vs San Beda (Jrs/Srs)

4 p.m. – St. Benilde vs Letran (Srs/Jrs)

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano University survived a late rally by Mapua yesterday to carve out a 68-63 win and gain a share of third place in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Chiefs, who came off an 81-90 loss to defending champion San Beda, were cruising to victory when the Cardinals launched a last-ditch effort to steal the game.

From a 52-60 deficit, Mapua inched to within 63-64 behind a big basket by Jeson Cantos, time down to 1:24. But it proved to be Mapua’s last stand.

Ralph Salcedo and Dioncee Holts hit crucial free throws down the stretch for Arellano and held Mapua scoreless in the final minute.

Arellano, being coached by former PBA star Jerry Codiñera, climbed to 3-1 in a tie with San Sebastian while Mapua tumbled to its fifth straight loss.

“I told the boys that this is not an easy game. Ang ganda ng inilaro ng Mapua (They played a good game), they kept the game close,” said Codiñera.

In the other seniors’ matchup, Lyceum needed an extra five minutes to beat Jose Rizal 84-80, and improve its record to 3-2. The Heavy Bombers fell to 2-3.

Mapua coach Atoy Co, another former PBA superstar, still can’t find the ingredients that could help change the Cardinals’ fortunes.

The Cardinals lost their first three matches on a combined margin of 80 points but have managed to keep it close the last two games, losing to Lyceum by just two points last Monday.

Andoy Estrella, who had a game-high 20 points, missed a three-pointer that could have tied the game at 66.  

In juniors’ action, Noah Lugo gave Mapua some reason to cheer, unloading 19 points and 10 rebounds in a 71-64 win over Arellano.

The scores:

First Game (Jrs)

Mapua 71 – Lugo 19, Velvez 15, Aguirre 12, Bonifacio 9, Victoria 8, Cabural 2, Calderon 2, Salenga 2, Enriquez 1, Russel 1, Pascua 0, Yco 0.

Arellano 64 – Dela Torre 11, Strait 11, Clemente 10, Zamora 8, Juico 7, De Lara 6, Enriquez 5, Manoloto 4, Cabahug 2, Balbarona 0, Bataller 0.

Quarterscores: 18-8; 36-31; 53-50; 71-64

Second Game (Srs)  

Arellano 68 - Agovida 12, Salcedo 10, Pinto 10, Holts 10, Hernandez 8, Gumaru 7, Jalalon 6, Caperal 4, Ciriacruz 1, Nicholls 0, Bangga 0, Palma 0, Ortega 0, Cadavis 0.

Mapua 63 - Estrella 20, Gabo 10, Saitanan 9, Isit 8, Magsigay 6, Cantos 6, Layug 3, Canaynay 1, Tubiano 0.

Quarterscores: 18-20; 32-30; 48-48; 68-63

Third Game (Srs)

Lyceum 84 – Mbida 16, Zamora 13, Malabanan 13, Gabayni 10, Taladua 10, Bulawan 9, Maconocido 8, Lesmoras 3, Baltazar 2, Elmejrab 0.

Jose Rizal 80 – Paniamogan 24, Mabulac 20, Abdulwahab 10, Teodoro 9, Grospe 8, Asuncion 6, Lasquety 3, Sanchez 0, Salaveria 0, Manuel 0, Benavides 0.

Quarterscores: 20-21; 41-43; 65-56; 75-75; 84-80