Nard Pinto (right) hits a lay-up against the defense of Josan Nimes. Pinto had the final say, scoring the game-winning basket. KC Cruz
The Arellano University Chiefs' slim playoff hopes are still alive, thanks in large part to Nard Pinto.
Pinto connected on a game-winning jumper for Arellano, handing them a slim 59-57 win over the Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals, Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Arena, in the 88th season of the NCAA.
The 21-year-old point guard scored his seventh and eighth points on the left elbow with 2.7 seconds left. Mapua got the ball back, but couldn't get a clear shot as the buzzer sounded.
"That play turned out crucial for us, and we're happy John was able to open the door of victory for us," said Arellano mentor Koy Banal. "We never allowed them to score easily through our hard-nosed defense."
The victory tied the two teams in the standings at 5-8, and allowed Arellano to avenge their first-round 68-49 setback against Mapua.
Both squads are three-and-a-half games back of the Perpetual Help Altas and the JRU Heavy Bombers. Those two squads both have 8-4 records, and currently occupy the third and fourth spots in the standings.
Last season's rookie of the year Josan Nimes tied the game at 57-all with 20.3 seconds remaining, but their defense failed to stop the former Holy Cross of Davao player, as Pinto slipped through his defenders for the game-winner.
Mapua actually came out on fire, starting the game with a 10-0 blast, capped by National University transferee Joseph Eriobu. But Arellano came storming back, to trail by just a deuce, 15-13, at the start of the second period.
Arellano's James Forrester, who scattered 19 points in the game, then took charge before halftime, helping the Chiefs snatch the lead at the break, 28-26.
Late in the game, Mapua forged a deadlock at 52-all, off a Kenneth Ighalo triple, setting up the frantic final moments.
Although Mapua out-shot Arellano from the field, 37 percent versus 32 percent, the Chiefs' defense came alive in stretches, preventing the Cardinals from scoring in crucial stretches.
Rocky Acidre added 13 for Arellano.
Mapua was led by Nimes and Mike Parala, who scored 17 and 13 points, respectively.
- AMD, GMA News
The scores:
AU 59 — Forrester 19, Acidre 13, Bangga 9, Pinto 8, Hernandez 5, Caperal 3, Zulueta 2, Cadavis 0, Salcedo 0
MIT 57 — Nimes 17, Parala 13, Eriobu 8, Ighalo 7, G.Banal 5, Saitanan 5, J. Banal 2, Stevens 0, Cantos 0, Brana 0, Estrella 0
Quarter scoring: 13-15, 28-26, 43-38, 59-57
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
