MANILA, Philippines - Arellano U leaned on Zach Nichols and newcomer Adam Gupilan as it trounced Centro Escolar University, 82-74, to bounce back in the 22nd Fr. Martin Cup summer basketball tournament at the San Beda College-Manila gym in Mendiola.
Nichols exploded with 23 points while Gupilan, from Los Angeles, California, backed him up with 17 markers as the Chiefs rebounded from their 78-82 setback to the Adamson Falcons to level their mark in Group A of the senior division.
Gupilan teamed up with Kenneth Zamora to power the Chiefs to a 56-51 lead at the end of the third before Nichols and Richard Abanes joined the fray to pad their lead to 58-51 before coasting to victory over the Scorpions.
In other games, Letran-A smothered Jose Rizal University-A, 80-64, to chalk up its second straight triumph in Group A in seniors category while JRU-B turned back Letran-B, 69-62, for their first win in Group A.
In juniors play, Far Eastern University whipped PACE, 88-33, to notch its second straight win in Group A while Manila Patriotic School snapped a two-game skid with a 93-50 whipping of San Beda-Alabang in Group B.
The Adamson Baby Falcons drew 19 points from Evan Agbong as they trampled the La Salle-Greenhills B cagers, 85-63, while Chiang Kai Shek College downed LSGH-A, 85-66.