Salado-less Arellano shoots down Perpetual to keep Final 4 hopes alive
By Maxine Louise Lagman
12 October 2017
Even with Kent Salado’s absence, the Arellano University continued to make their way into the Final Four as they conquered Perpetual, 62-52, Thursday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
With the win, Arellano lifted their card to 8-9 and rose to fifth place with only a game against Mapua University on Tuesday left.
The Chiefs continued their winning streak even without Salado, who suffered a slight MCL tear on his right knee on their game against San Sebastian.
“Sinabi ko naman sakanila na with or withou Kent, we’ll play and do our best. I told them to offer the game to Kent and try to make it to the whole playoffs,” said coach Jerry Codinera.
Arellano was able to pull away from a wired first half and anchored a dominant 44-25 lead in the third quarter and never looked back.
Lervin Flores topped the Chiefs with 19 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and two assists, while Rence Alcoriza chipped in 16 markers and seven boards off the bench.
Levi Dela Cruz added 11 points, four rebounds and four assists in the win.
On the other hand, Aj Coronel led Altas with 14 points and three rebounds, while Prince Eze hauled down 22 rebounds on top of 11 points and for blocks in the loaing effort.
With their sixth straight loss, Perpetual fell further in the team standings with a 4-12 card.
