Games today:
(FilOil EcoOil Centre)
12 p.m. — EAC vs JRU
3 p.m. — San Beda vs Lyceum

Veteran guards Axel Doromal and Shane Manina joined hands down the stretch and helped Arellano University post a 61-59 win over University of Perpetual Help System Dalta yesterday in Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

With the count frozen at 55-all going into the twilight zone, Doromal and Menina struck hard and gave the Chiefs a 61-56 lead.

Jielo Razon scored a triple to trim the deficit but it was too late as the buzzer had sounded, allowing the Chiefs to nail their second win in three outings and handing the Altas their first defeat in two games.

Arellano head coach Cholo Martin lauded the veterans, saying both guards communicated well inside the court.

"Both Axel and Shane give and take inside the court. Their rotation is good and they communicate well," Martin said.

"Luckily, our defense against Perpetual was effective this time. They have been able to go around it the majority of the game and it infuriated us."

Led by Doromal and Menina, the Chiefs' starters outscored their Altas counterparts, 49-47.

Danielle Mallari also did the damage for Arellano with nine points and 13 rebounds while Cade Flores added eight points and 16 boards.

Kim Aurin flirted with a double-double with 27 points and nine rebounds but it wasn't enough.

In the second game, College of Saint Benilde remained spotless after escaping San Sebastian College, 100-94, for a 2-0 start.

Miguel Oczon fired 25 points on 7-of-14 shooting for the Blazers, who are now on top of the standings with two straight wins.

Meanwhile, Season 97 finalist Mapua University could be in hot water owing to eligibility issues concerning Gab Gamboa.

According to sources, Gamboa, who only played in the Cardinals' 66-55 win over San Beda University last 10 September, is still enrolled at Saint Clare College of Caloocan and played in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities last June.

The NCAA management committee is already investigating the matter.

The scores:

First Game:

ARELLANO (61) — Doromal 19, Menina 13, Mallari 9, Flores 8, Abastillas 5, Mantua 3, Tolentino 3, Oliva 1, Oftana 0, Domingo 0, Talampas 0.

PERPETUAL (59) — Aurin 27, Omega 9, Martel 6, Nitura 5, Barcuma 3, Razon 3, Egan 2, Ferreras 2, Flores 2, Orgo 0, Cuevas 0, Boral 0, Roque 0, Nunez 0, Movida 0.

QUARTERS: 7-13, 27-24, 42-47, 61-59.

Second Game:

SAINT BENILDE (100) — Oczon, 25, Gozum 23, Corteza 18, Cullar 11, Paturan 8, Nayve4, Lepalam 4, Carlos 4, Sangco 3, Mara 0, Marcos 0, Flores 0.

SAN SEBASTIAN (94) — Calahat 21, Altamirano 16, Villapando 10, Desoyo 9, Are 8, Sumoda 7, Escobido 5, Shanoda 5, Yambing 5, Una 3, Cosari, 2, Suico 2, Felebrico 1, Concha 0.

QUARTERS: 28-20, 46-38, 81-62, 100-94.