THE Arellano University Chiefs grabbed a big opportunity in the 101st National College Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
The Chiefs’ 62-58 upset of the defending champion Mapua Cardinals allowed them to snatch the no. 2 position in Group A and wrest the twice-to-beat quarterfinals incentive on Friday at the FilOil Arena in San Juan.
For coach Chico Manabat, the Chiefs will have to take the whatever advantage they now have with a measure of precaution.
“Masarap ito. Pero hindi pa tapos ang laban. Marami pa kaming tatratabuhin,” said Manabat after they finished their Group A assignments with a four-game winning streak.
T-mc Ongotan fired 15 points for the Chiefs, who ended up tying the Cardinals in second and third position with a 7-6 win-loss record.
In advancing to the quarterfinals, the Chiefs will meet the Letran Knights, who are ranked third in Group B, going into the last elimination-round match with the San Beda Red Lions on Sunday.
“Bonus it na meron kami na ganu’ng advantage. Kailangan pa rin namin magtrabaho para manalo nang manalo,” added Manabat.
The Cardinals, with Drex de los Reyes leading with 13 points, were relegated third spot, and they have a twice-to-win privilege against the Knights.
In junior action, the Mapua Red Robins, with Froilan Reyes making 29 points, downed the Arellano Braves, 85-83, to finish Group A with a 8-4 card with the Braves.
As the no.1 team in Group A, the Chiefs will face the winner between San Beda Red Cubs and Jose Rizal University. The Red Cubs and JRU will seek a quarterfinal seat via the play-in stage.
Meanwhile, St. Benilde relied on the returning Allen Liwag to push the Blazers past Emilio Aguinaldo College, 87-82.
The Blazers ended the elimination round with a twice-to-beat advantage, a 9-4 record and a three game win streak in Group B action.
“Now, it’s back to zero. The real challenge comes,” coach Charles Tiu said.
“In this format, like they said, anyone has a chance and I think that’s what we’ll get.”
Liwag, who returned from a shoulder injury, showed his MVP form with a team-high 16 points to go along with eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.
Helping the reigning MVP of the NCAA in the Benilde win were Matthew Oli and Jio Gonzaga, who finished with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
EAC remained at the very bottom of Group B, ending its elimination round with a 4-9 card.
