Arellano Chiefs after taking down Final Four hopeful Letran Knights in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament. –NCAA PHOTO
Arellano shut the door of the Final Four on Letran with a 67-65 squeaker on Wednesday in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
Basti Valencia scored on a putback after a raucous battle for possession underneath and JL Capulong sank a crucial free throw as the Chiefs completed their fightback from 12 points down for the win.
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“There’s no pressure anymore, but I told them that we should still give our best,’’ said Arellano coach Chico Manabat after beating another title contender.
NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball schedule
Before claiming the heads of the Knights, they defanged the defending champion San Beda Red Lions and the front-running College of St. Benilde in the first round.
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“Letran has a lot of history in this league and won several championships. Beating these teams certainly boosts our confidence,’’ said Manabat.
The Chiefs are no longer fighting for a semifinal spot, but they intend to bow out valiantly by toppling another contender in the Mapua Cardinals in their final assignment.
Capulong tallied 13 points and had 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block and Maverick Vinoya added nine for the Chiefs, who notched their seventh victory in 17 games.
READ: NCAA 100: Letran basks in ‘special’ win over rival San Beda
With Anthony Borromeo hounding him, Jimboy Estrada, Letran’s chief gunner, fumbled and lost the leather at the end line with under a minute left and bungled what could have been an overtime-forging, mid-range jumper with 4.7 seconds remaining.
It was a total heartbreaker for the Knights, who saw their semifinal hopes vanish for the second straight season after winning three consecutive titles.
Playing his farewell game for the Knights, Kobe Monje was emotional upon hearing the final buzzer, his career-high 24 points circling the drain as Letran ended its campaign at 8-10.
The Scores
ARELLANO 67 – Capulong 13, Vinoya 9, Valencia 8, Camay 7, Hernal 7, Geronimo 6, De Leon 4, Borroneo 4, Libang 4, Abiera 3, Miller 2, Ongotan 0, Flores 0
LETRAN 65 – Monje 24, Montecillo 11, Javillonar 11, Estrada 10, Miller 5, Santos 2, Nunag 2, Cuajao 0, Jumao-As 0, Dimaano 0
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Quarter scores: 17-16, 28-40, 51-54, 67-65