Thompson stars anew in Altas win; Cardinals win 6th straight

MANILA, Philippines -- Perpetual Help relied on Earl Scottie Thompson and its defense as it overwhelmed a hapless College of St. Benilde, 70-47, Friday to jump to solo third spot in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Thompson posted his sixth triple-double of the season and ninth in his career with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists while the Altas held the Blazers to one of the worst scoring performances of the season to snare their 10th win against four defeats.

St. Benilde's total output was the second lowest scoring effort of the season next to Lyceum of the Philippines U in a 42-70 defeat also at the hands of Perpetual Help on Sept. 1.

"It's our defense and Scottie (Thompson) playing big helped us in this game," said Perpetual Help coach Aric del Rosario in Filipino.

Nigerians Bright Akhuetie and Prince Eze provided the inside muscle and finished with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

In the other duel, Nigerian Allwell Oraeme came through with another monster performance as Mapua stunned Arellano U, 86-73, to barge into the magic four.

The 6-9 Oraeme had 15 points and 30 rebounds to power the Cardinals to their 10th win against five defeats, which was good for a share of fourth spot with the Chiefs.

It was the second huge effort of Oraeme after he also dropped 18 points and 30 rebounds in a shock 82-77 win over Letran last week.

The Cardinals also remained undefeated in six games in the second round.

"What can I say, it was gratifying to see my players starting to really play hard," said Ed Cordero, who is coach while head coach Atoy Co was under the second of his two-game suspension.

Mapua is on its way to making  the Final Four for the first since making it that far five seasons back.

The scores:

First Game

Perpetual Help 70- Thompson 21, Akhuetie 11, Eze 10, Dagangon 9, Ylagan 8, Coronel 4, Sadiwa 4, Dizon 3, Oliveria 0, Tamayo 0, Gallardo 0, Elopre 0

St. Benilde 47- Grey 14, J. Domingo 12, Jonson 7, Ongteco 7, Saavedra 7, Nayve 0, S. Domingo 0, Deles 0, Sta. Maria 0, Castor 0, Dixon 0, San Juan 0, Fajarito 0.

Quarterscores: 21-11; 40-19; 51-35; 70-47

Second Game

Mapua 81 - Biteng 15, Oraeme 15, Serrano 14, Braña 11, Nieles 8, Menina 7, Que 3, Nimes 3, Raflores 3, Isit 2, Villaseñor 0.

Arellano 76 - Salado 17, Jalalon 16, Gumaru 13, Holts 9, Meca 7, Bangga 7, Cadavis 4, Nicholls 3, Capara 0, Enriquez 0, Ortega 0, Tano 0.

Quarters: 23-20, 33-43, 54-62, 81-76