By Ricky Manliguis
SAN JUAN, MM—Dioncee Holts is back.
Holts finally produced a break-out game as Arellano University warded off a spirited Lyceum challenge, eking out an 81-76 victory for a share of second in the NCAA Season 92 basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre Tuesday.
The six-foot-six American finished with 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, six on the offensive glass, in what proved to be his best game so far this season.
But the Chiefs had to survive the late-game charge of the Pirates, which battled back from a 12-point deficit to come within three, 76-79, ignited by a 10-1 spurt led by import Mike Nzeusseu with 20.3 seconds left.
After a series a miscues on both ends, Raymar Caduyac had a chance to send the game into overtime, but air-balled his three-point attempt. Jio Jalalon then sealed the game with a pair of free throws.
Holts also had three assists and only one turnover in over 27 minutes on the floor.
Guard Kent Salado provided the spark with his drives to the basket for 17 points.
Jalalon, celebrating his 23rd birthday, managed to pile up 13 markers, seven assists, and four rebounds despite being saddled with foul trouble.
The win is the sixth in eight games for the Chiefs, tying the Perpetual Help Atlas for second place.
Nzeusseu topscored for the Pirates, now at 3-5, with 24 points and 17 caroms, even as Shaq Alanes finished with 14.
Box Scores:
Arellano 81-Holts 20, Salado 17, Jalalon 13, Nicholls 11, Flores 10, Cadavis 4, Villoria 3, Meca 2, Aguilar 1, Gumaru 0, Gupilan 0, Enriquez 0, Canete 0
Lyceum 76-Nzeusseu 24, Alanes 14, Ayaay 8, Magbuhos 8, Marata 6, Serafico 6, Caduyac 5, Baltazar 3, Soliman 2, Alban 0, Malabanan 0
Quarterscores: 16-14, 37-29, 58-54, 81-76
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