Arellano held its composure in the pivotal moments as it survived a feisty Lyceum side, 91-86, on Saturday, Oct. 19, in NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The Chiefs escaped an 18-3 blitz from the Pirates bridging the final period and an 8-0 run in the last two minutes by keeping their lead intact until the dying seconds to capture their fourth victory against eight losses.

It was a retribution of sorts for Arellano, who bowed to Lyceum in overtime in their first meeting last Sept. 20, 90-86.

Lorenz Capulong erupted for the Chiefs with an impressive double-double performance of 30 points and 16 rebounds, while Maverick Vinoya also produced solid numbers with 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Arellano was leaning on a comfortable 69-54 lead midway the third period when Lyceum launched its assault and closed the gap at 72-all early in the fourth.

Capulong was there to the rescue and even gave the Chiefs an 86-78 lead with five minutes left in the game, but Jonathan Daileg and John Barba were there to keep the Pirates alive by spearhing another run for 86-all.

It turned out to be their last stand as back-to-back baskets from Greg Geronimo and Renzo Abiera kept Arellano afloat until the final buzzer.

The game, however, had a scary moment after Lyceum’s JM Bravo was knocked unconscious following a head collision with Abiera during a battle for loose ball in the last eight seconds of the game.

Bravo, who just returned to play in the second round after a potential season-ending spine injury, was immediately stretchered off the playing court. 

He was reportedly conscious after undergoing CT scan at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, where he will be under concussion protocol for 48 hours before being cleared to play, per NCAA Season 100 Management Committee Chairman Hercules Callanta.

The 24-year-old wingman had 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block after playing for 26 minutes.

Lyceum fell to 6-6 and tied with Letran.

In the other game, King Gurtiza exploded with 27 points as Emilio Aguinaldo College outplayed San Sebastian, 101-94, for a three-way tie with Lyceum and Letran in the middle standings at 6-6.

The Stags slipped to 3-9 despite the 30-point production of Tristan Felebrico.

The scores

First Game

ARELLANO 91 – Capulong 30, Vinoya 14, Valencia 9, Miller 9, Borromeo 7, Abiera 4, Camay 4, Geronimo 4, Hernal 3, Flores 3, Libang 2, Ongotan 2, Rosalin 0.

LYCEUM 86 – Barba 18, Bravo 17, Villegas 15, Montaño 10, Daileg 9, Peñafiel 5, Aviles 4, Versoza 4, Panelo 4, Pallingayan 0, Moralejo 0, Cunanan 0.

Quarters: 26-17; 54-46; 72-68; 91-86.

Second Game

EAC 101 – Gurtiza 27, Oftana 17, Pagsanjan 16, Quinal 11, Lucero 9, Luciano 5, Ochavo 3, Jacob 3, Bacud 3, Loristo 3, Doromal 2, Bagay 2, Angeles 0, Manacho 0.

SAN SEBASTIAN 94 – Felebrico 30, R. Gabat 21, Are 14, Escobido 9, L. Gabat 9, Ricio 6, Pascual 3, Velasco 2, Aguilar 0, Suico 0, Maliwat 0, Barroga 0, Cruz 0, Ramilo 0, Lintol 0.

Quarters: 28-29; 55-51; 85-69; 101-94.