THE Arellano University Braves banked on the heroics of Guilmer de la Torre in the endgame to repulse the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 85-80, Monday in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
De la Torre’s timely triple in the last 1:17 allowed the Braves to hold off JRU’s late rally.
Arellano posted its 11th win in 12 games to share the lead with the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs.
Sam Abu Hijle showed the way with 27 points and 13 rebounds to carry the Red Cubs to an 80-66 smothering of the Lyceum Junior Pirates.
Arellano and San Beda stayed on track for the top two slots in the Final Four semifinals.
The Light Bombers, behind Jeremiah Guzman with 20 points, gave the Braves a scare when they threatened, 77-81, in the last 1:41.
A charity from Marlon Espiritu and then a trey from De la Torre in the ensuing play allowed the Braves to keep their distance, 85-77.
“That’s what happens when you relax. It’s really difficult to win. Guilmer (Dela Torre) is like that. He’s reliable. That’s automatic,” said Braves’ coach Tylon Darjuan.
In other games, Jasper Salenga and Sherwin Concepcion shot 17 points each to power the Mapua Red Robins to a 91-66 swamping of the San Sebastian Staglets. The Robins tallied their ninth victory in 11 outings.
The Letran Squires got crucial baskets from rookies Neil Guarino and Miguel Labrador in the closing minutes to turn back the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 78-70.
Keifer Cordero and Kurt Reyson each scored 11 points for the Squires, who stayed in contention for a Final Four slot with their 4-6 card.