Arellano University Chiefs cut a two-game losing skid and kept their Final Four hopes alive as they battled it out against Emilio Aguinaldo College, 84-79 on Friday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Chiefs make it into a 5-8 slate in the team standing with the help of Michael Canete, who exploded a career-high double-double record of 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Kent Salado added 23 points for the win.
It was a tough game for Arellano to win, as the Generals rally until the end with Jerome Garcia and Sidney Onwubere on their front line, knocking down multiple treys in return and cruised on 17 points in the fourth quarter.
“Hanggang sa dulo, hindi ka talaga makukumpyansa. Lalo na grabe yung three-point ng kabila,” said EAC Coach Jerry Codinera.
With the Generals knocking down treys, Arellano on the other hand, relied on EAC’s 31 fouls and finished with a 30-of-47 from the free throw stripe, while the Generals only had 12 charity attempts.
Arellano took hold of a 78-76 lead when Salado made Onwubere commit his fifth foul along with the outing of Jervin Guzman, as Lervin Flores and Levi Dela Cruz split the charities to cap off the win.
Flores finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, whild Dela Cruz added 13 points.
Meanwhile, Garcia led the Generals with 15 points from a 3-of-8 shooting from three as Jethro Mendoza added 13 points as JRU fell to a 6-7 card.
