By Dugout Philippines
The Arellano Chiefs avenged their painful triple overtime defeat against the JRU Heavy Bombers in the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament with a 75-69 win at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
But just like their first meeting, the Chiefs had to pass through the needle hole to escape the Heavy Bombers and reclaim the solo second spot in the team standings at 10-4.
Arellano threatened to pull away late in the third canto as it led, 49-41.
But JRU fought back and tied the game, 60-all, off a Jaycee Asuncion triple with 7:20 left in the fourth period.
The Chiefs then made a 10-4 run in a three-minute span to retake the lead, 70-64.
The Bombers, however, scored five straight points to come to within one again, 69-70.
John Pinto buried a crucial three-pointer in the next play to push Arellano's lead to four, 73-69.
Abdul Abdul-Wahab, who was vital in JRU's win in the first round, then missed two free throws on the other end.
Jio Jalalon tried to seal the Chiefs' win with a trey of his own, but he misfired. The Chiefs, however, got the ball back.
But Pinto almost the ball in the repossession. Arellano retained the possession after a referees' review of the play.
Ivan Enriquez missed on an undergoal stab with shotclock winding down, and Abdul-Wahab secured the board.
But the Arellano defense stood firm in the ensuing offensive as it forced Dave Sanchez to a contested three-pointer that was blocked by Jalalon.
Sanchez got a double whammy as he was also whistled for an offensive foul after he extended his leg against Jalalon.
Jalalon finally gave the win for the Chiefs as he nailed the insurance free throws in the next play for the final tally.
Dioncee Holts led Arellano with 22 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and a block.
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