ARELLANO lived up to its giant-slaying ways as it pulled off a 72-70 upset of defending champion San Beda Saturday in the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball tournament.
The Chiefs went on a crucial 8-0 run in the homestretch to finally take control of the thrilling game, 72-67, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
They later withstood the final stand of rhe reigning champions including a huge block by Lorenz Capulong against James Payosing in the final three seconds to preserve the dramatic win.
"Preparation and the will to survive in the endgame," said Arellano coach Chico Manabat.
He added, "Siguro it's our day. Lahat ng teams alam natin San Beda ang target diyan."
Capulong led the Chiefs with 13 points and seven rebounds, while scoring on a huge inside play that capped the Chiefs' run of eight unanswered points.
T-Mc Ongotan also had 13 points and Ernest Geronimo 12 for the Chiefs including a completed three point play to wrest the lead at 69-67 inside the final four minutes.
The win was only the second in six outings for Arellano, but added the Red Lions to its list of victims that also included San Sebastian.
The Chiefs also had the Red Lions' number after also beating them in the second round of Season 99.
It was a heartbreaking loss for San Beda which fell to an even 3-3 record.
Jomel Puno top scored for a game-high 20 points. His three pointer broke the game"s final deadlock and gave San Beda its final taste of the lead at 67-64.
RC Calimag added 14 for the Red Lions, who threatened at 70-72 on a Yukien Andrada trey.
But the reigning champions missed the opportunity to send the game into overtime after failing to convert on their final two offensive plays.
The scores:
Arellano 72 - Capulong 13, Ongotan 13, Geronimo 12, Abiera 9, Borromeo 7, Vinoya 6, Hernal 4, Libang 4, Acop 2, Valencia 2, Camay 0, Miller 0, Dela Cruz 0.
San Beda 70 - Puno 20, RC Calimag 14, Sajonia 9, Andrada 9, Payosing 5, Celzo 4, Estacio 3, Royo 2, Gonzales 2, Songcuya 2, Tagle 0, Richi Calimag 0, Jalbuena 0, Sollano 0
Quarters: 19-24; 36-34; 50-50; 72-70.
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