“Napakatamis ng panalo, so sweet,” said Arellano head coach Jerry Codinera in a post-game interview.
The Arellano Chiefs held their heads up high after winning their first game of the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament against the Mapua University Cardinals, 91-82, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After a devastating loss to the San Beda Red Lions from last season’s Finals, the Arellano squad are determined to come back stronger and better, despite losing ace guard Jio Jalalon.
Kent Salado stepped up his game and posted a game-high 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists to lead the Chiefs to victory. Coach Codinera also gave credit to his other players, who rallied for a clean finish.
“Kung si Salado lang, he cannot do it alone. I’m always counting on my second group, like sina Michael, Dela Cruz and yung support ng mga other players,” added Codinera.
Michael Canete added a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Brylle Meca had nine points and four rebounds, which were both off the bench. Levi Dela Cruz added eight points, half of which came from the last period.
The Cardinals put their best foot forward in the first half, leading the match, 46-44, but the Chiefs were quick to retaliate as Salado exploded all 13 of his 24 points in the third quarter.
Andrew Estrella led Mapua to one, 80-79, but Arellano slammed the door to the Cardinals with an 11-0 run in the last six minutes of the game, 91-79.
“Hirap kasi kunin ng first game eh. ‘Yung jitters, lahat. Plus, andaming bago halos lahat ng team. Kaya I’m glad that we were able to pull this off,” stated Codinera.
Mapua head coach Atoy Co was left with only eight players in the game as guard Leo Gabo is still serving the last of his four-game suspension, which dates back to 2014, and also injured Kenneth Magboo.
The Cardinals also committed about 25 turnovers, which led to 18 points for Arellano.
Despite missing key players and a number of errors, Laurenz Victoria led the Cardinals with 23 markers and five rebounds, while Estrella had 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Arellano will face the San Sebastian Golden Stags on July 13, Thursday as part of the NCAA on Tour, while Mapua will take on the Letran Knights on July 11, Tuesday at the San Juan Arena.
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