By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Renzo Abiera knocked down timely hits in the fourth quarter as the Arellano University Chiefs stunned the San Beda University Red Lions, 72-70, in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City on Sunday, September 29.

Abiera finished the game with nine points, including two booming triples in the final frame that helped the Chiefs claw their way back in the contest, to go with three rebounds.

After trailing for most part of the game, the Chiefs secured their largest lead at 72-67 following a conversion by Lorenz Capulong over three Red Lions’ defenders with 43 seconds left.

The Red Lions threatened to within 70-72 after a three-point shot by Yukien Andrada and still had a chance to force an extension, but James Payosing missed on a putback at the buzzer.

Capulong top-scored for the Chiefs with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Jaedan Ongotan and Ernest Geronimo added 13 and 12, respectively, as the Chiefs improved to a 2-5 win-loss slate.

“Nag-prepare talaga kami ng maayos and then meron kaming goal na kahit na nasa bottom kami, ang importante ang mga lesson na binigay sa amin ng talo namin,” Chiefs head coach Chico Manabat said.

“Salute doon sa mga players and coaches, talagang nagtrabaho sila. Hindi lang nagtrabaho pero talagang nag-commit na gusto nilang labanan ‘yung defending champions,” he added.

Jomel Puno finished with a career-high of 20 points to lead the defending champions Red Lions, while RC Calimag added 14 markers.

They dropped to a 3-3 win-loss record./ASC, WDJ