Kalen Axel Doromal’s split free throw in the dying seconds lifted the Arellano University Chiefs to a scrambling 65-63 win over the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags on Sunday in the 97th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the St. Benilde Gym in La Salle Green Hills.
Gelo Sablan pushed the Chiefs to the lead at 62-60 following a triple and then again at 64-63 with his free throws, before Sablan sealed the win with his own freebie in the final 3.6 seconds.
Justin Arana led the Chiefs with 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Jordan Sta. Ana added 14 points. Arana, however, was taken out of the game on a stretcher after injuring his right knee.
Ichie Altamirano spearheaded the Stags with 16 points, while JM Calma added 13.
San Sebastian takes on the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Friday, while Arellano fights the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Warren Bonifacio and Carl Brian Lacap took charge in the last two minutes as the Mapua University Cardinals put away the Emilio Aguinaldo College, 73-67, in the second game.