SAN JUAN, Philippines (Eagle News) – Arellano University took out its frustration on Mapúa Institute of Technology, pulling off a 96-75 rout in the continuation of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 92 men’s basketball at the Filoil Flying V Centre on Tuesday.
The Chiefs, coming off their first defeat of the NCAA season at the hands of defending champion Letran College last Thursday, were lifted by Kent Salado’s 20 points on 3-for-4 shooting from long range with nine rebounds.
Zach Nicholls waxed hot with 16 points of his own, while Lervin Flores and Ariel Aguilar each had 10 points. Star guard Jio Jalalon struggled on a paltry 3-for-18 shooting afternoon, but still put up eight points, seven rebounds and nine assists on the board.
Andoy Estrella paced the Cardinals with 20 points in 26 minutes on the floor. Justin Serrano and Joseph Eriobu each tallied 12 points with 10 and nine rebounds, respectively; and CJ Isit adding 10 for the Atoy Co-mentored squad.
The result gave the Chiefs (3-1) its third win in four starts, while sending Mapúa (4-1) to its first loss in five outings.
On the other hand, Letran guard Rey Nambatac torched San Sebastian for 40 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Knights to a 90-77 victory in the first game earlier in the day.
Supporting Nambatac’s impressive play was McJour Luib with 12 points, with Jerrick Balanza and JP Calvo adding 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
Regille Ilagan topped the San Sebastian dribblers with 23 points on 6-for-11 shooting, while Ryan Costelo had 17 and Alvin Capobres contributed 11 for the Stags.
Letran (4-1) wins its fourth straight contest since losing on opening day to San Beda and gained a share of second place. San Sebastian (1-3), on the other hand, dropped to a quadruple tie for sixth place with Emilio Aguinaldo College, Jose Rizal University and Lyceum of the Philippines.
In the final game, San Beda College (5-0) conquered Perpetual Help via an 88-70 tally to remain the lone unbeaten team this NCAA season. Diego de la Paz