By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Renzo Abiera stepped up with huge baskets in the fourth quarter as the Arellano University Chiefs toppled the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 66-59, in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City on Tuesday, October 22.

The Negrense guard knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to start the fourth quarter to take a 59-55 advantage before Jaedan Ongotan connected with two baskets to widen the Chiefs’ lead to 64-57.

The Altas had the chance to slice the deficit, but they failed to secure the rebound before EJ Geronimo converted two free throws for the Chiefs with less than a minute left to seal the win.

Abiera finished the game with 10 points, while Maverick Vinoya and Ongotan contributed 20 and 11, respectively, as the Chiefs secured their second straight win on a 5-8 win-loss slate.

“This is my first experience na nag-back-to-back wins ako. Alam niyo naman na we’re at the bottom,” Chiefs head coach Chico Manabat said.

“Salute to my coaches, my players, and ‘yung preparation talaga namin medyo matindi,” he added.

John Abis paced the Altas with 12 points, six rebounds and two assists, while rookie Mark Gojo Cruz added 11 markers, six boards and one assist.

They dropped to a 5-8 record./ASC, WDJ