HERO. Arellano University's Jade Talampas dribbles past San Beda University defenders during the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 men's basketball tournament held at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Friday (Oct. 27, 2023). Talampas scored 18 points in the Chiefs' 74-72 victory over the Red Lions. (NCAA photo)
MANILA – Arellano University relied on Jade Talampas to pull off a stunning 74-72 victory over San Beda University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 men's basketball tournament held at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Friday.
The 6-foot-2 Talampas played the heroics after firing his fourth triple with five seconds remaining.
San Beda's Fil-Canadian rookie Jomel Puno tried to force an overtime but he failed to score on a layup as the final buzzer off.
Talampas finished with 18 points, six rebounds, two steals and one assist as the Chiefs ended a four-game slump and improved their record to 2-9. Their first win was 0ver the Letran Knights, 87-80.
Ralph Yanes added 11 points while skipper Danielle Mallari and Troy Valencia chipped in 10 points each for Arellano, which took a 57-53 lead in the third quarter after trailing, 35-43, at halftime.
James Payosing had 20 points, eight rebounds and one steal for San Beda, which clobbered Arellano, 85-61, in the first round.
Puno contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds while Clifford Jopia had 11 points, 18 rebounds, three blocks, one assist and one steal for the Red Lions, who joined the Lyceum Pirates in second place at 7-3 behind Mapua (8-2).
Emilio Aguinaldo College, Jose Rizal University and College of Saint Benilde are in a three-way tie for third at 6-4, followed by University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (4-6) and San Sebastian College-Recoletos (3-7). Letran is at the bottom with one win against nine losses. (PNA)
