Sean Franco detonated for a triple-double to steer the streaking Arellano University to an 88-80 win against Lyceum of the Philippines University in the NCAA Season 101 juniors basketball on Wednesday at the Filoil Centre.
The 6-foot-2 forward dropped 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists on top of one block and one steal as the Braves now joined Mapua University at the top of Group A with an 8-4 win-loss card.
Ray Ladica supplied the help with 23 markers, seven boards, two steals, and two blocks while Aaron Manansala and Chris Dy chipped in 14 and 13 points each as they extended their win streak to three.
Arellano shrugged off a slow start with Lyceum erecting a 52-41 lead early in the third period after a Jericho Abrantes jumper. But the Braves staged a gallant fightback with a 22-8 run that swung the lead to Arellano, 63-60.
Arellano never looked back since then as Franco completed a layup that allowed them to establish an 81-68 cushion en route to the eight-point victory.
Steven Creus was a force inside with 25 points on top of nine rebounds, one assist, and one steal while Lemarcus Pelayo and Abrantes churned out 16 and 12 markers apiece as the Junior Pirates fell to 3-9 in Group A.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
