Chiefs face Cardinals; Bombers duel Pirates

Levi Hernandez of Arellano INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Foiled by San Beda the last time out, Arellano tries to get back on track against Mapua today at the resumption of the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Chiefs seek their third win in four games in the 2 p.m. clash with the Cardinals, who are winless in three games.

Jose Rizal U shoots for a third straight win when it tangles with Lyceum in the 4 p.m. match.

The Heavy Bombers pulled off a stunning 69-60 victory over the Letran Knights last Monday, the same day the Pirates nipped the Cardinals, 80-78.

The Chiefs absorbed their first loss of the season to the Red Lions, 81-90, last Saturday.

And while there were plenty of encouraging signs especially with the way they pushed the Lions to the limit, Arellano coach Jerry Codiñera was left to rue a missed opportunity to boost their stock.

“It’s a learning experience for us, that loss to San Beda,” said Codiñera, whose squad can rise to a share of third with San Sebastian with a win today. “It taught us to take care of the ball more and defend the perimeter better.”

The Chiefs drew big performances from Gio Jalalon and Levi Hernandez but they also committed 23 turnovers, hastening their downfall against the defending champions.

The Cardinals remain dangerous following an improved performance in the narrow loss to the Pirates.

After a sluggish start, the Bombers have slowly but surely found their groove.

“The players started to realize that we can’t win games if we will not follow our game plan and our instructions,” said coach Vergel Meneses.