Vence Laude(center) and the rest of the LPU Pirates struggled to put points on the board versus John Bangga (right) his AU Chiefs teammates. KC Cruz
The Arellano University Chiefs leaned on the scoring prowess of Fil-Canadian James Forrester to sink the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, 83-52, Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Arena, in the 88th season of the NCAA seniors division tournament.
Forrester had 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting along with six rebounds, while Vergel Zulueta added 12 points as the Chiefs improved their 1st round record to 2-3 after a disappointing 0-3 start. The Pirates dropped to 2-4.
James Forrester nails the tough lay-up on route- to a game-high 19 points. KC Cruz
“I struggled a bit in the first quarter but I managed to get my rhythm back,” said Forrester.
Arellano, who took a commanding 43-31 lead at halftime had no reason to look back. Forrester’ jumper gave Arellano a 70-41 lead with only 8:26 left in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs shot 56% overall from the field en route to the 31-point victory – their biggest winning margin since joining the league in 2009.
“There’s nothing extra ordinary that we have done against Lyceum. They (Lyceum) were tired because they came from a come from behind victory the other day. We have a five-day preparation,” said Arellano University mentor Koy Banal.
The Chiefs’ intense defense forced Lyceum to shoot just 21-of-64 from the field for a 33 percent clip, limiting Chris Cayabyab to 12 points and Rich Guevarra to 10 for the Pirates.
Arellano followed up its 77-67 victory over Letran last July 9.
- RF/AMD, GMA News
The scores:
AU 83 – Forrester 19, Zulueta 12, Hernandez 10, Caperal 9, Cadavis 8, Pinto 8, Salcedo 7, Acidre 5, Bangga 2, Palma 2, Espiras 1, Lunas 0.
LPU 52 – Cayabyab 12, Guevarra 10, Zamora 8, Ko 4, Azores 4, Francisco 4, Laude 3, Garcia 3,Martinez 2, Pascual 2, Edding 0, Mallari 0, Ambohot 0.
Quarter scoring: 20-16, 43-21, 66-41, 83-52
Inboundpass has been covering collegiate basketball for six years. For more NCAA stories and information, check out inboundpass.com and follow Inboundpass on Twitter at @inboundpass
