ARELLANO University halted a three-game slide with a 72-63 win over Mapua Sunday in the National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines seniors basketball tournament at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Justin Arana scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half, and pulled down 15 rebounds as the Chiefs overcame a late Cardinals rally to tie their victims at 2-3 won-lost.
“It’s a relief,” said Arellano University coach Cholo Martin. “This is what the players are fighting for—to move up the standings.
After a 3-0 start, Mapua lost two in a row to remain in fourth place.
“We’re very glad after all those frustrations from the losses,” said Arana, who also had three assists and three steals.
The Cardinals threatened at 60-62 with four minutes remaining when Arana scattered six points in the Chiefs’ 10-0 run to put the game away at 72-60.
Martin is making sure that Arana, who played a season-high 36 minutes, is being taken care off as he is recovering from a right knee sprain he sustained in the season-opening win over San Sebastian.
Jordan Sta. Ana also played big for the Chiefs with 15 points, seven assists and four rebounds while Kai Oliva added 10 points.
Warren Bonifacio produced 11 points and 10 boards to lead Mapua.