By Ivan Saldajeno
SAN JUAN, MM--Arellano came out of their halftime huddle re-energized and turned back Mapua, 96-75, in their NCAA match-up at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Tuesday.
The Chiefs, who only made 33 points in the first half, tallied the same number of points in the third quarter alone and dropped 30 more in the fourth as they took advantage of Allwell Oraeme's absence in the dying moments due to five fouls and won a game where Jio Jalalon struggled offensively.
With the 6-foot-9 beanpole in foul trouble in the third, Arellano, behind Kent Salado, began pulling away, forcing Coach Atoy Co to keep Oraeme in the game.
That gamble further brought woes as Oraeme got his fifth foul with 3:29 remaining in the third.
The Chiefs further dealt some more damage on the Cardinals after Oraeme's sendoff and blew the game wide open for good in the fourth.
Salado finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, and two assists, while Zach Nicholls led Arellano's fourth quarter attack with four triples and finished with 16 markers.
Lervin Flores, who was tasked to guard Oraeme, tallied ten points, eight rebounds, and three blocks while limiting Oraeme to only nine points and force four turnovers.
Despite only making 3-of-16 shots, Jalalon actually came close to a triple-double as he made eight points, seven rebounds, and nine assists.
Andoy Estrella made 20 points for Mapua, which lost for the first time this season after a 4-0 start, leaving San Beda, which battles Perpetual Help as of posting, the remaining undefeated squad in Season 92.
Box Scores:
Arellano 96-Salado 20, Nicholls 16, Aguilar 10, Flores 10, Jalalon 8, Gumaru 7, Enriquez 6, Villoria 5, Cadavis 4, Canete 4, Holts 4, Alcoriza 2, Gupilan 0, Meca 0
Mapua 75-Estrella 20, Eriobu 12, Serrano 12, Isit 10, Oraeme 9, Bunag 6, Biteng 3, Orquina 3, Menina 0, Raflores 0, Victoria 0
Quarterscores: 20-16, 33-29, 66-51, 96-75
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
.jpg)
