Arellano Foils Letran Bid To Final 4 #NCAA90
By Jamil Buergo
September 24, 2014
San Juan – Despite a slow start, Arellano went to work in the second half to edge Letran, 79-70, on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan. The win enabled the Chiefs a sure seat in the Final 4 and a chance to get the top seed from San Beda, whom they still have to meet. Letran on the other hand bowed out of contention for the first time since 2010.
Even with their slow start, the soft-spoken coach was all praises to his players and he dedicated the victory to the Arellano community. “We had several lapses. Letran outworked and outhustled us. Our veterans got into early foul trouble too” referring to their first half performance. “I just told them may third at fourth quarter pa naman para bumawi”. His players responded as they outscored the Knights 21-12 in the fourth quarter.
Keith Agovida led Arellano with 18 points and 10 boards while Nard Pinto spearheaded Arellano’s comeback by scoring 9 of his 12 points in the third quarter.
Letran, who missed the services of ace gunner Kevin Racal because of a season-ending ACL injury, was led by Ford Ruaya with his 20 points.
The scores:
Arellano 79 – Agovida 19, Pinto 12, Jalalon 10, Holts 10, Criacruz 8, Hernandez 6, Palma 4, Caperal 4, Gumaru 2, Salcedo 2, Bangga 1, Enriquez 1, Nicholls 0, Ortega 0.
Letran 70 – Ruaya 20, Cruz 10, Gabawan 9, Quinto 7, Luib 6, Saldua 5, Calvo 3, Tambeling 3, Nambatac 3, Castro 2, Publico 2, Apreku 0, Singontiko 0.
Quarters: 11-23; 33-40; 58-58, 79-70
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