Arellano University nearly wasted a double-digit lead, but held on to eke out a 77-71 win against Lyceum of the Philippines University in the NCAA Season 101 juniors basketball tournament on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Ray Ladica continued his fine form for the Braves, dropping 15 points to help Arellano capture its third straight victory to maintain the lead in Group A with a 3-1 card.
Ladica, whose game-winning basket sent Arellano past defending champion Perpetual in overtime last Saturday, converted a layup that sent the Braves to their biggest lead at 21 halfway in the third, 65-44.
The Junior Pirates slowly turned things around with Ken Bo sinking a pair of free throws before issuing the pass that led to a Steven Crreus basket as LPU trimmed the gap to six, 71-77, with 50 seconds left.
But LPU faded in the final moments as Arellano survived the comeback threat to race to its third win in four games.
Sean Franco churned out 15 points laced with eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks while Axel Mendoza and Laurence Pillas chipped in 12 and 11 markers apiece as Arellano now gear up for its battle against Group B teams.
Creus, meanwhile, starred with a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds while Lamarcus Pelayo and Khian Panerio posted 14 and 10 markers each as they dropped to a 2-2 slate.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
