ARELLANO University relied on Ernest Geronimo’s late heroics as it pulled the rug from under College of St. Benilde, 73-71, yesterday to breathe life to its waning Final Four aspiration in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
Geronimo, a sophomore guard from Morong, Rizal, battled cramps and poured in six of his 14 points in the fourth quarter including a short jumper from the right window that proved to be the dagger that gave the Chiefs a 3-6 record.
It was another giant-sized win for AU, which also slew defending champion San Beda last Sept. 28.
“Walang sikreto kung hindi pusong palaban at preparasyon,” said AU coach Chico Manabat. “Sila kasi kumpiyansa, kami gusto namin manalo. Nothing to lose but everything to gain.”
The Blazers came into the game hoping it could pull off another escape after it survived the San Sebastian Stags, 96-94, Tuesday.
They were denied by Geronimo and the Chiefs though and sent them sprawling to their second defeat in six outings.
Worse, CSB got knocked out of the pedestal where it used to be unflappable and now share the lead with Mapua (6-2).
And it was because of Geronimo’s big shooting ways.
“Pinapractice ko talaga ‘yung jumper na iyon kaya sabi ni coach itira mo lang,” he said.
The results also spoiled the mammoth effort of CSB big man Allen Liwag, who finished with 18 points, 17 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Liwag, however, disappeared in the fourth period where he was held to just a point.
The scores:
First Game
AU 73 – Ongotan 16, Geronimo 14 Abiera 10, Capulong 8, Valencia 8, Vinoya 7, Hernal 5, Libang 4, Borromeo 1, Dela Cruz 0, Camay 0
CSB 71- Liwag 18, Cometa 15, Sanchez 10, Torres 9, Oli 7, Ondoa 3, Morales 3, Ancheta 2, Cajucom 2, Turco 2, Sangco 0, Eusebio 0
Quarterscores: 23-11; 40-39; 56-58; 73-71
Games Saturday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
12 noon – UPHSD vs San Beda
2:30 p.m.- Letran vs LPU
