Arellano wins over San Sebastian for share of fifth place
By Maxine Louise Lagman
10 October 2017
The Arellano University Chiefs did just enough to fend off San Sebastian Golden Stags with an 85-79 victory on Tuesday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
With the need to win their remaining games, Arellano defeated San Sebastian to tie with them at fifth place with an identical 7-9 record.
Kent Salado paced the Chiefs with 22 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals before leaving the game after hurting his right leg when RK Ilagan fell on him on the rebound play with 8:22 left in the final period.
“Nung three quarters, it was laid down by Kent, pero hindi lang naman siya,” said coach Jerry Codinera. “It’s up to the others nalang and it’s high time for them to know how to close the game without Kent.”
San Sebastian tried to take advantage of Salado’s absence, with RK Ilagan scoring five straight points to cut the lead to just three, 65-52.
However, a Zach Nicholls dagger trey sparked a 15-8 rally to gain an 83-70 lead with only 40 seconds left.
“Minor adjustments lang on our end. Nung una, I fell na our team doesn’t really believe in team defense, but in the end nagtulong tulong kami,” added Codinera.
Canete added 15 points, six of which came from the fourth quarter, along with three rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Levi Dela Cruz chipped in 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
On the other hand, Allyn Bulanadi led San Sebastian with 14 points and four rebounds, while Ilagan chipped in 14 markers.
Meanwhile, JM Calma had a double-double 12 points and 13 rebounds in their third straight loss as they were also denied of securing a playoff in the Final Four seat.
