DEFENDING champion Arellano University Chiefs and the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars continued their winning ways in the 16th National Capital Region Athletic Association men?s basketball tournament at the Rizal Technological University Gym.

Adrian Celada and Orlando Daroya showed the way for the Chiefs, who blasted the PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Horses, 83-73, in the varsity cagefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls, and www.philspike.com.

Vic Manuel and Mel Corpuz struck for double-digit outputs in leading the Jaguars to a 100-95 win over the Olivarez College Sea Lions. PSBA kept its hopes alive in a bid to reach the semis with their 4-4 record.

Celada and Daroya unloaded 18 and 15 points, respectively, as they powered the Chiefs to their eighth straight triumph.

This Chiefs moved two games closer of sweeping their 10-game elimination-round assignment and earning the top semifinal slot.

??Yun ang goal namin, ma-sweep namin ang eliminations para maka-outright finals kami. Dalawa na lang ang kailangan naming talunin,? said Chiefs coach Leo Isaac.

Celada and Daroya combined for 14 points as the Chiefs widened a six-point edge in the third period to 10 in the fourth, 61-51.

They finally moved out of reach with 4:10 left following back-to-back hits by Gerald Lapuz and Rodrigo Apostol, 65-53.

The Universal College of Nursing Golden Dragons, who are the Chiefs? biggest threats to the title this year, fight the Sea Horses at 11:30 a.m. today at the RTU Gym. Peter Atencio