SAN JUAN CITY: Arellano University emerged victorious against Lyceum of the Philippines with a 91-86 win during the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 men’s basketball event at FilOil EcoOil Centre on Saturday. Lorenz Capulong led the charge for the Chiefs, contributing significantly to their triumph with an impressive performance.
According to Philippines News Agency, Capulong was instrumental in securing the win for Arellano, scoring 30 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, which helped the team improve its record to 4-8. The Chiefs initially commanded a 15-point lead late in the third quarter, but Lyceum managed to tie the game at 86-all with just one minute and 26 seconds remaining.
In the final moments, Ernest Geronimo’s floater broke the deadlock, and after a failed attempt by the Pirates, Renzo Abiera’s layup extended the Chiefs’ lead to 90-86 with only 31 seconds left. “We just got the breaks and chance in the endgame,” stated Arellano coach Chico Manabat, reflecting on the team’s
performance in the closing stages.
Compounding the Pirates’ struggles, their player JM Bravo was knocked unconscious in the final seconds while vying for a loose ball and had to be removed on a stretcher. Despite the setback, John Barba stood out for Lyceum with 18 points, four steals, and three assists. Bravo contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists before his injury, while teammates Renz Villegas and Gyle Montano added 15 and 10 points, respectively. The loss ties Lyceum with the Letran Knights for fourth place with a 6-6 record.