Donald Gumaru. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Donald Gumaru found his shooting stroke as Arellano pulled off an 80-78 shocker over San Sebastian in the 2016 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup Thursday at the Arena in San Juan.
Battling back from 17 points down, 52-35, at the half, the Chiefs got their acts together as saw Gumaru took over late, scoring 11 of the team’s last 12 points and drilling three consecutive triples to steal the victory for his squad.
Gumaru had 16 points on a scorching 4-of-9 shooting from three, to go with three rebounds and two assists, while Kent Salado poured 18 markers, nine dimes, and four boards as the two stepped up in the absence of star guard Jiovani Jalalon, who is with the Gilas cadets for the upcoming SEABA Cup.
Brylle Meca finished with 10 points and five rebounds, while Allen Enriquez got 10 for Arellano (4-1).
“The team will learn a lot from this game kasi I don’t have this kind of situation pag naghahabol kami,” said coach Jerry Codiñera. “Pinakita talaga ng players yung maturity nila.”
The Stags still had a chance to win the game late, but Jerick Fabian missed his game-winner.
Michael Calisaan topped San Sebastian, which absorbed its third loss, with 19 points and five rebounds.
The Scores:
ARELLANO 80 – Salado 18, Gumaru 16, Meca 10, Enriquez 10, Flores 9, Holts 5, Viloria 4, Cadavis 2, Filart 2, Canete 2, Aguilar 2, Nicholls 0, Rivera 0, Abanes 0, Gupilan 0, Alcoriza 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 78 – Calisaan 19, Fabian 8, Costelo 8, Capobres 7, Gayosa 6, Ilagan 6, Mercado 5, Bulanadi 4, Johnson 4, David 3, Baetiong 2, Sera Josef 2, Miguel 2, Quipse 2, Valdez 0.
Quarters: 14-24, 35-52, 60-64, 80-78.