Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Arellano silenced Mapua for the better part of the final six minutes to pull out the 91-82 victory to open its NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament campaign Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Kent Salado posted 24 points, seven rebounds, and four assists to carry the Chiefs to their first win, showing the league that they are still a force to be reckoned with despite the departure of ace guard Jio Jalalon.
Michael Cañete added a double-double in tune of 17 markers and 12 boards, while Brylle Meca had nine points and four rebounds off the bench.
“The win tastes so sweet,” said coach Jerry Codiñera. “It’s hard to get the first game because there’s always jitters. Everything is new. They can feel the pressure, so I’m glad that we’re able to pull this off.”
Andoy Estrella got the Cardinals within one, 80-79, with 6:17 remaining, but that proved to be Mapua’s last hurrah as Arellano clamped down on defense and extended the lead to as high as 12, 91-79.
Laurenz Victoria paced the Cardinals with 23 points and five rebounds, but committed six turnovers in the game.
Estrella, meanwhile, got 19 markers, nine boards, and five assists, but turned the ball over seven times as Mapua committed 25 miscues in the tiff.
The Cardinals missed the services of comebacking guard Leo Gabo, who is serving the last of his four-game suspension dating back to 2014, and injured big man Kenneth Magboo.
The Scores:
ARELLANO 91 – Salado 24, Cañete 17, Meca 9, Dela Cruz 8, Enriquez 8, Villoria 7, Flores 5, Nicholls 5, Abanes 3, Alcoriza 3, Concepcion 2, Ongolo Ongolo 0, Padilla 0.
MAPUA 82 – Victoria 23, Estrella 19, Orquina 9, Aguirre 8, Nieles 8, Raflores 8, Pelayo 7, Buñag 0.
Quarters: 19-23, 44-46, 72-71, 91-82.
