ARELLANO knows it has turned into a marked team after a surprisingly strong start in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.
Just four days after downing a solid Adamson squad, the Chiefs aim to stretch their unbeaten run to five against UAAP powerhouse Far Eastern University at 2:30 p.m. today at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
“We know that everyone will be ready now that we’re starting to make noise,” said Arellano coach Koy Banal.
Jose Rizal University, tied with FEU at 1-2, goes for back-to-back triumphs against Perpetual Help at 4:15 p.m., while University of the Philippines and St. Benilde gun for their first win at 12:45 p.m.
The Chiefs, who only ranked eighth in the last NCAA season, have been on a roll behind James Forrester, John Pinto, Allen Enriquez and Ralph Salcedo.
“We need to have confidence,” said Banal. “Basketball is a game of confidence, so we need to believe that we’re contenders.”
The Chiefs stunned the Falcons, 80-71, with Filipino-Canadian guard Forrester drilling 16 points and Pinto dishing out 14 of the team’s 22 assists on top of 10 markers.