THE Arellano University Chiefs held their ground on the Lyceum Pirates’ tough Cameroonian cager Mike Nzeussu to win, 81-76, Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan.
Their defensive efforts in the last five minutes allowed them to keep their share of second spot with the University of Perpetual Help Altas in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
The Altas had an easier time as they quickly disposed of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 70-53, with Akhuetie Bright drilling in 19 points.
Both the Chiefs and Altas improved their records at no. 2 with their sixth triumph in eight games.
Dioncee Holts showed the way for the Chiefs with his best game so far of 20 points and 15 rebounds.
This included a pair of charities in the last 5:10, which gave the Chiefs a 72-60 lead, their biggest in the period.
The Pirates turned to big man Nzeussu, who, however, beat Holts in their afternoon-long matchup with his monster game of 24 points and 17 rebounds.
Nzeussu struck with 12 points in the final period, hitting six points in the last 22.3 seconds, including two freebies allowing the Pirates to move within range, 76-79.
Two timely free throws from Jiovani Jalalon in the last 1.6 seconds then proved to be the Chiefs’ saving grace before time expired.
“It was his breakout game [Holts]. Finally, he was able to play his breakout game, like he was meant to, even though it’s late in the first round. He was there for the team. He committed to double his effort against Nzeussu,” said Codinera.
Meanwhile, the Altas managed to limit the Generals to just 10 points in the first quarter and 10 points in the second, giving them a comfortable 30-20 edge at halftime.
With EAC held to a season-worst field-goal percentage of 22.54 percent, the Altas had little trouble taking a 48-32 spread at the end of the third.
Their defense also shackled the Generals’ starters in Francis Munsayac and Igee King, who had 19 of the 20 attempted shots.
“Our defense did it,” said Perpetual Help coach Jimwell Gican.