ARELLANO University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Olivarez College and Arandia College fashioned out contrasting victories over their respective rivals in the Manila Best Tournament basketball championship at the Trinity University of Asia Gym in Quezon City.

The Chiefs toppled Letran College 67-58, behind the hot hands of Arnold Cabotaje to secure their its second straight win in this 14-team tournament organized by retired PBA referee Joey Calungcaguin.

Cabotaje, who was named as “Best Player of the Game” topscored with 24 points for the Legarda-based squad of coach Chico Manabat.

Charles Dimaano finished with 11 points for Letran, which fell to 1-2.

The Pirates downed Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, 65-55, the Sea Lions clobbered University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 72-67 and the Rhinos stunned Ateneo de Manila University, 76-73, in other matches.

Best Player of the Game winner Kyle Montano scattered 15 points for the Gilbert Malabanan-mentored Pirates, who registered their second straight win after an opening-day loss.

Patrick Panelo, the “Best Player of the Game” winner, finished with 25 points for Olivarez College of coach Mike Saguiguit.

Olivarez College improved to 1-1 win.

The Rhinos of coach Cezar Babasa leaned on RJ Guerero’s 27 pointsto pull the rug from under the Eagles.

In the other games, University of the Philippines crushed undermanned Mapua University, 75-55 and Our Lady of Fatima University downed St. Benilde, 66-53.

African recruit Francis Nnoruka wasagain the top man for the Maroons as he finished with 28 points and 14 rebounds.

The Phoenix rode on Mamadou Toure’s 23 points and 13 rebounds to pick up their first win in two games.

The Manila Best Tournament is sponsored by Philippine Air Lines, Smart Sports, JamReiBiz Watersports, EastPrint Clothing, Jasmine Crib at Malabrigo Batangas, VS & F Catering, Kick on your Feet Shoe and Appare, Louie’s Buko, I Wellcare, Ezekiel’s Touch Health and Wellness Spa and Black Mamba Energy Drinks.

Also supporting the competition are Armstrong Philippines, Fil Nation Select, MS Elite Basketball Saudi Arabia, Youth Basketball Coaches PH, Philippine Amateur Basketball Referees Organization (PABRO) and Samahan Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Former International referee Carlito Camorongan head the technical committe along with Fernan Dela Cruz. AA