MANILA — Sebastian Valencia delivered a clutch basket with 13 seconds remaining as Arellano University Chiefs pulled off a dramatic 56-55 upset of San Beda University Red Lions, snapping a three-game losing streak in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Valencia’s game-winning shot rescued the Chiefs from a stunning collapse after they squandered a 15-point advantage and allowed the Red Lions to seize control in the final quarter.
Arellano entered the fourth period holding a 48-41 advantage, but San Beda unleashed a 10-0 scoring blitz to overturn the deficit and grab a 51-48 lead with 5:27 remaining.
T-Mc Ongotan temporarily halted the Red Lions’ momentum with a three-pointer that tied the game before Aldous Torculas answered with a triple to give San Beda a 55-53 advantage with 3:16 left.
Aaron Manansala kept Arellano within striking distance by splitting his free throws before Valencia delivered the decisive basket, putting the Chiefs ahead, 56-55, with only 13 seconds on the clock.
San Beda had one final chance to steal the victory, but Torculas missed the potential game-winner, allowing Arellano to escape with a morale-boosting triumph.
“We really need this win kasi galing kami from three straight losses. Kailangan namin ‘yong bwelo bago kami bumalik sa bracket namin,” Valencia said. “Kagaya no’ng lagi kong sinasabi before our games, gagawin namin ano kailangan to win.”
Ongotan spearheaded Arellano’s offense with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Valencia and Borromeo contributed seven points apiece.
Torculas led the Red Lions with a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Marcelo added 10 markers. Puno and Calimag chipped in seven points each.
Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates also returned to the winning column after overpowering University of Perpetual Help Altas, 98-89, behind a decisive fourth-quarter surge.
The Pirates ended their four-game skid and improved to a 2-5 record, drawing level with the Altas, who suffered their fourth consecutive defeat.
Matthew Rubico powered Lyceum with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal, while Renz Villegas supplied 19 points and Jonathan Daileg added 18 to complete the Pirates’ offensive assault./PN
