MANILA -- Pampangueno discovery Jerald Lapuz scored an impressive all-around performance for Arellano University after dishing out 29 points and 10 rebounds to outlast Letran College, 78-76, in the 86th NCAA men’s basketball tournament Friday.
The Chiefs capped their first round campaign in the oldest collegiate league in the country toting a 3-5 (win-loss) card while the Knights dropped to 2-5.
“We are very happy with this win as it gives us confidence going into the second round,” said coach Leo Isaac.
Letran held a 12-point lead at the end of the first quarter but Arellano banked on solid efforts from Lapuz, Andrian Celada and Cagayan de Oro standout John Tayungtong to dispose of Letran.
Franz Dysam pumped in 19 markers on a six-of-nine shooting to pace the Knights while Kevin Alas added 13 points, who only converted a trey in seven attempts.
The Mapua Cardinals and Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals are playing as of press time. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)