MANILA, Philippines – The Arellano University Chiefs struck hard in the second quarter to upset defending champions San Beda Red Lions, 89-60, last Sunday, and clinch one of the last two semi-final berths in the 10th Fr. Martin Division 2 Cup.

Giovanni Jalalon banged in a game-high 17 points for the Chiefs, who joined the San Sebastian College-A Stags in the semi-finals when action ended at the Arellano University gym in Legarda, Manila.

Jalalon led a 16-4 blast for the Chiefs at the start of the second period with his three-point play.

With Austin Allan Fabian and Kinsman Redeemer following up with a triple and a drive, the Chiefs shattered an 18-all first quarter deadlock and went on to grab a huge 45-25 halftime advantage.

Meanwhile, the Stags defeated Informatics, 63-56, with Jason Pusiquit and Jaymar Perez contributing 20 and 13 points, respectively.

The Chiefs will go on to face the University of the East Red Warriors in a 12-noon semi-finals showdown on Friday at the Trinity University of Asia gym, while the Stags will meet the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers at 1:30 pm.

The Red Warriors reached the semi-finals after beating the Technological Institute of the Philippines Engineers in double overtime, 83-73, last Saturday.

The Heavy Bombers, meanwhile, defeated the National University Bulldogs, 76-59. Mar Balagtas scored 12 points.

In the juniors division, Hope Christian School drew 13 points from John Apacible as they blasted the University of Sto. Tomas Tiger Cubs, 105-56.

Kim Lee Bayquin fired 19 points for Chiang Kai Shek-A, who defeated the JRU Light Bombers, 72-65.

Hope and CKSC-A thus earned the top semi-finals slots in Group A and B after they both swept their seven-game elimination round assignments.

Hope and Xavier School will meet in the juniors semi-finals at 9:00 am, while Chiang Kai Shek battles the San Beda Red Cubs at 10:30 am.