Arellano outlasts Mapua in overtime for third-straight NCAA win

MANILA, Philippines – Arellano University continues its roll in the ongoing NCAA Season 91 men’s senior basketball tourney as the Chiefs edged out Mapua Institute of Technology, 100-96, in an overtime thriller on Friday, July 17 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

A 3-pointer from Exequiel Biteng was what the Mapua Cardinals needed to force the contest into overtime at 84-all after several shifts of momentum in the fourth quarter.

Two jumpers from Dioncee Holts and Jiovani Jalalon gave Arellano an 81-76 edge with four minutes left in the aforementioned period, but Mapua was able to construct defensive to allow Josan Nimes to tie the regulation at 81 apiece.

Arellano’s ace gunner Zachary Nicholls nailed a heavy blow by drilling his signature beyond-the-arc shot, but Biteng turned things around with his own trifecta with 16.7 ticks left.

The Legarda-based brigade had a chance to take home the bacon, but Allen Enriquez overreached his wide-open jumper from the right corner.

However, the Chiefs were the more active side in the overtime period as they put distance between themselves and the opposition behind back-to-back buckets from Michael Salado, 96-89.

Mapua rallied back and sliced the lead to three, but a split by Jalalon sealed the deal for Jerry Codiñera’s squadron.

Arellano improves to a 3-1 slate in the team standings, while Mapua slip its record to 1-3.

Jalalon finished with 26 markers, seven dimes, four boards and three steals off the bench for Arellano.

On the other hand, Allwell Oraeme had 18 points, 17 rebounds and three steals for Mapua. 

Scores:

Arellano (100) – Jalalon 26, Holts 25, Nicholls 16, Salado 12, Bangga 5, Gunaru 5, Cadavis 4, Tano 3, Enriquez 2, Meca 2

Mapua (96) – Oraeme 18, Nimes 17, Isit 13, Biteng 12, Raflores 12, Nieles 9, Stevens 5, Serrano 4, Menina 4, Aguirre 2

Quarter scores: 20-20, 36-38, 64-66, 84-84, 100-96