Arellano’s Donald Gumaru. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Throughout the season, Arellano head coach Jerry Codiñera has been searching for another consistent contributor who will act as a third fiddle to his fearsome backcourt of Jio Jalaon and Kent Salado.
On Tuesday, Codiñera may have just found his complimentary piece in graduating guard Donald Gumaru.
“He’s been playing well for the past three games,” Codiñera told reporters after the Chiefs downed the Mapua Cardinals to secure a twice-to-beat bonus.
READ: Arellano seals twice-to-beat edge, drubs Mapua
“He’s so important to our team because he is our third guy,” said Jalalon in Filipino. “We really need him to step up.”
Gumaru has been on and off this season but has appeared to have gotten accustomed to his role as of late.
And against Arellano’s potential Final Four opponent in Mapua, Gumaru had his best shooting game yet, going 5-of-10 from long range en route to a 15-point outing.
READ: Jalalon hits head, still delivers brilliant numbers for Chiefs
“Coach and my teammates just told me to just keep shooting and that’s what I did,” Gumaru said in Filipino.
“I just did my best thinking that this is my last year and I want to finish strong,” he added. “And I want to make the finals so I’m giving all I have.”
The Chiefs made the finals two seasons ago and lost to the San Beda Red Lions.
READ: Salado shines as Chiefs pip Stags; Tams spill Altas
Gumaru’s baskets also couldn’t have come at a better time. All of his 15 points came in the second half when the Cardinals, led by CJ Isit and reigning MVP Allwell Oraeme, pressed the fight after trailing by 10 in the first half.
Jalalon unleashed a season-high 37 points, including 20 in the second half. But he felt the Chiefs couldn’t have done it without Gumaru.
“I thought they’re going to really pull away from us. Good thing Donald was there for us,” Jalalon said.