NCAA: Arellano deals San Beda one-point heartbreak, snaps three-game skid

Arellano University denied San Beda University a comeback story, pulling off a 56-55 stunner to halt its three-game skid in the NCAA Season 102 on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

The Chiefs gave up a 15-point lead after a second-half surge from the defending champions Red Lions, but a turnaround jumper from veteran Basti Valencia in the final 11.7 seconds proved to be the dagger that gave San Beda only its third loss of the season.

Aldous Torculas tried to put together a heroic turnaround jumper of his own against the defense of Anthony Borromeo but the star transferee came up short as Arellano survived to snap its three-game skid.

T-Mc Ongotan once again led the way with 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, while Valencia chipped in seven points, with his game-winner serving as his third and final field goal of the game, while also grabbing seven boards and one steal.

The win also allowed Arellano to break out of its three-game slump while sending San Beda to a 5-3 record.

Coming off three straight losses to Mapua, JRU, and Benilde, the Chiefs made sure to start right against no less than the reigning champions with Leyton Buenaventura bringing Arellano to a 40-25 lead early in the third period.

But Torculas fueled San Beda's resurgence, scoring eight points in the frame to help the Red Lions pull to within seven ahead of the final period, 48-41.

Torculas hit another three-pointer to give San Beda a 55-53 lead with 3:16 left in the game before rookie Aaron Manansala split his charities to make it a one-point game.

Both teams struggled to convert from the field in the succeeding plays, but Valencia found his touch just in time after eluding the defense of Penny Estacio to sink the jumper.

Torculas poured in a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds while Daniel Marcelo chipped in 10 markers.

—JMB, GMA News