Generals get back at Chiefs; Danes score

MANILA, Philippines - Argel Mendoza sizzled with 29 points as Emilio Aguinaldo College got back at first round tormentor Arellano U, 86-81, in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Mendoza, a cinch for a spot in the first Mythical team, took charge in the fourth quarter as he spearheaded the Generals’ attack, including a drive against Giorgio Ciriacruz that gave EAC an 83-79 cushion over the Chiefs with 24.7 seconds left in the contest.

The Generals close out their stint against the Jose Rizal U Bombers on Friday.

In the second game, Aaron Santos fired 16 points, including a triple with 29 seconds to go as Angeles U Foundation’s Great Danes stunned Perpetual Help’s Altas, 73-66, to finish the tournament on a 2-16 card.

The Altas fell to their 14th setback against three wins.

Ciriacruz, also a strong contender for the Mythical five, powered his way to 28 points and finished with 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals while Adrian Celada had 13 points, five rebounds and two steals but they failed to neutralize Mendoza.

The Chiefs ended their campaign on a losing note but still finished fifth with an 8-10 record.

In juniors’ action, Joseph Eriobu fired 23 points while Justine Alano scattered 19 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as Perpetual Help routed Angeles U Foundation, 115-33, for a 10-7 mark.

Arellano, meanwhile, downed EAC, 70-59, to finish the season with a 5-13 slate.