POINT guard Levi dela Cruz continued to prove himself as a worthy replacement for injured main man Kent Salado.
Levi Dela Cruz, a 5’9” guard, stepped it up again to help propel the Arellano University Chiefs to an 81-64 beating of the Mapua Cardinals yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.
With De la Cruz exploding for 20 points, the Chiefs remained in contention for the last semifinal slot in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Coming up with a 7 of 13 field-goal performance, Dela Cruz helped lift the Chiefs to a 9-9 win-loss record at the end of their second round campaign, allowing AU to claim a playoff berth for the last semis seat.
Also making 4-of-5 attempts from the three-point area, to go with five assists, three rebounds and a pair of steals, Dela Cruz showed what he can do best while Salado is out of commission.
Salado won’t be available for at least a month after sustaining an MCL injury in his right knee.
“‘Yung wins, deceiving ‘yun, nag-struggle kami sa chemistry kasi wala si Kent,” said Chiefs coach Jerry Codinera.
Letran (8-9) and San Sebastian College (8-9) are also in contention for the last semis berth.
In case of a two-way tie, there will be a playoff between the two teams. And if a three-way scramble at 9-9 takes place, there will be a stepladder playoff for the no. 4 spot.
Lervin Flores had 14 points, while Zach Nicolls finished with 11 for Arellano University.
Earlier, the Emilio Aguinaldo College finished its campaign by stopping Perpetual Help, 83-81.
The Generals banked on Jerome Garcia to end a five-game skid. Garcia scored 10 points in the fourth period.
Games Thursday
(The Arena in San Juan)
2 p.m. LPU vs San Sebastian (srs)
4 p.m. LPU vs San Sebastian (jrs)