Lapuz sky-high for Arellano's third win; JRU escapes pesky EAC Generals in OT

Arellano U relied on its selective but efficient offensive game as it repulsed a skidding Letran, 78-76, yesterday to finish the first round respectably in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Hefty Jerald Lapuz, a rookie transferee out ACSAT, unleashed a career-high 29 points he spiked with 10 rebounds while John Tayongtong fired nine of his 13 points in the fourth quarter including seven foul shots he spliced with seven caroms, four steals and three assists.

Adrian Celada, the team leader, had his usual day at the office with 15 points, nine boards, six assists and two blocks as the Chiefs finished the first round with a 3-5 (win-loss) card.

It was, however, the Chiefs superb shot selection that spelled the difference as they attempted only 46 shots but made 26 of it for an impressive 57-percent shooting clip. “I told my players that even if we attempt only one shot per possession, it should always be the best shot,” said Arellano U coach Leo Isaac.

Kevin Alas returned from two-game absence but struggled with his shots as he missed 15 of his 18 attempts to finish with 19 points as the Knights fell to their fifth setback against two wins.

Meanwhile, the Management Committee announced they would be selling separate tickets for the games pitting defending champion San Sebastian and last year’s runner-up San Beda and Jose Rizal and Mapua on Aug. 18 also at The Arena.

The Jose Rizal-Mapua duel will play starting at 8:30 a.m. for the juniors and 10 a.m. for the seniors’ team while San Sebastian and San Beda will collide at 2 p.m. for the high school and 4 p.m. for the college squad.

Mancom chair Frank Gusi said this was done to accommodate an influx of fans expected to pack The Arena since the Stags and the Lions are currently unbeaten in seven starts.

In juniors’ action, Letran walloped Arellano U, 79-67, and Jose Rizal dumped EAC, 77-67, to boost their stocks.

Mark Cruz erupted for 27 points as the Squires nailed their fourth straight win against three losses while Cris dela Paz likewise exploded for 27 to propel the Light Bombers to their fifth win in seven outings for joint second with the idle Perpetual Help Altalettes.

Jose Rizal clawed back from an eight-point fourth quarter deficit and then exploded in the overtime as it turned back a hard-fighting Emilio Aguinaldo, 74-70, yesterday to join Mapua at third place in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Reycon Kabigting unloaded 14 points including a pair of foul shots and a crucial triple in OT before fouling out while Alex Almario and Marvin Hayes chipped in 10 apiece as the Bombers jumped to a share of No. 3 with a 5-2 (win-loss) slate.

Down 47-55 with 3.39 minutes remaining in regulation, the Bombers flashed their full-court pressure defense to ignite a 10-0 blitz and snare a 57-55 lead but couldn’t score from there as seldom-used Neil Tuazon sank a jumper that forced extra time.

Jose Rizal then needed a big start in OT to survive another late charge by EAC and escape with a win.

The Generals fell to their fifth defeat against two triumphs.

The scores:

Arellano U 78- Lapuz 29, Celada 15, Tayongtong 13, Zulueta 9, Ciriacruz 4, Acidre 3, Caperal 3, del Rosario 2, Casino 0, Advincula 0
Letran 76- Dysam 19, Ke. Alas 13, Belorio 12, Cortes 9, Belencion 8, Kr. Alas 7, Espiritu 5, Taplah 3, Pantin 0, Almazan 0
Quarterscores: 19-31; 45-38; 62-58; 78-76


Jose Rizal 74- Kabigting 14, Almario 10, Hayes 10, Matute 9, Bulangis 9, Njei 7, Montemayor 5, Etame 4, Apinan 4, Lopez 2
EAC 70- Vargas 24, Cubo 16, Mendoza 9, Santos 8, Lapitan 5, Villegas 2, Tuazon 2, R. Yaya 2, Chiong 2, Jamon 0, L. Yaya 0, Diolanto 0
Quarterscores: 20-17; 34-30; 43-43; 57-57 (OT); 74-70