23 August 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – Big man Justin Arana took on the role and lifted Arellano University win against Lyceum of the Philippines University, 87-81, Friday in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
Arana finished with a strong double-double record of 24 points and 11 rebounds, along with three blocks and three assists.
It was a close match between the two teams, with Lyceum even taking charge at the end of the first half, 47-41. However, Arana and veteran Kent Salado fired up the Chiefs in the second half and pushed past a 65-all dreadlock in the third quarter.
Arellano was clinging to only two points in the fourth quarter, 79-77. Arana then led a 10-3 run to extend their lead to seven, 87-80, 32.8 seconds left in the game.
Twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino tried to fight back, but the Chiefs strengthened their defenses to stop the Pirates from a comeback.
“Puro close games kami, pero this time, ‘di kami bumitaw. We just continued playing on,” Arellano head coach Cholo Martin said. “Napakalaking bagay kasi kailangan naming tumalo ng contenders in order to, at least, makaangat kami.”
Salado added 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Archie Concepcion and Jade Talampas added 11 and 10 points, respectively, as Arellano ended the first round with a 2-6 slate.
On the other hand, Mike Nzeusseu topped Lyceum with 17 points. Jayvee Marcelino added 12 markers, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals as Lyceum dropped to a 6-2 win-loss record.
The Scores:
ARELLANO 87 – Arana 24, Salado 16, Concepcion 11, Talampas 10, Bayla 9, Sablan 6, Oliva 6, Gayosa 5, Alcoriza 0, Espiritu 0, Sunga 0, De Guzman 0
LPU 81 – Nzeusseu 17, Marcelino JV 12, Ibanez 11, Marcelino JC 10, Santos 10, Tansingco 9, David 6, Valdez 6, Navarro 0, Yong 0, Pretta 0, Remulla 0
QUARTER SCORES: 22-19, 41-47, 65-65, 87-81
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