MANILA, Philippines — Arellano University did a biblical David to defending champion San Beda's Goliath and essayed a shock 72-70 victory yesterday that kept them in the Final Four race in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Bull-strong Lorenz Capulong came through big late as he scored a medium range jumper that gave the Chiefs a five-point cushion and then plucked the rebound and milked the time away in the clutch to complete the mammoth triumph.

Capulong ended up firing 13 points overall, the same output by top gun Jeadan Ongotan, in powering AU to its second win this season and second against the reigning titlist under its coach Chico Manabat after it also brought down San Beda in the second round last year.

"Meron kami goal na kahit nasa bottom kami, they committed na gusto nila labanan defending champion," said Manabat.

Romel Puno delivered a career game with 20 points including four booming triples but he disappeared late as the Lions fell stumbling to their third defeat against the same number of wins.

Skipper Yulkien Andrada struggled all game but hit a huge three-pointer, his one and only triple in four attempts on this game, that kept San Beda close and trailing by just two, 70-72, in the dying seconds.

After a defensive stop, the Lions got another chance to either steal the match or knot the count at force overtime but Bryan Sajonia and James Payosing missed both their attempts that sealed their doom. TMT

The scores:

AU 72 - Capulong 13, Ongotan 13, Geronimo 12, Abiera 9, Borromeo 7, Vinoya 6, Hernal 4, Libang 4, Acop 2, Valencia 2, Camay 0, Miller 0, Dela Cruz 0

San Beda 70 - Puno 20, RC Calimag 14, Sajonia 9, Andrada 9, Payosing 5, Celzo 4, Estacio 3, Royo 2, Gonzales 2, Songcuya 2, Tagle 0, Richi Calimag 0, Jalbuena 0, Sollano 0

Quarterscores: 19-24; 36-34; 50-50; 72-70