Flores delivers for finals-bound Chiefs

Lervin Flores of the Arellano Chiefs reacts after scoring against the Mapua Cardinals in their NCAA Season 92 Final Four duel on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Arellano coach Jerry Codinera had nothing but praise for Lervin Flores for the job he did in the team’s 92-80 victory over Mapua on Friday.

“Sabi ko lang wag siya mawawala sa rebounding,” he said. “Sabi ko lang sa kanila, try to contain (Allwell) Oraeme. We can try to limit him, pero magaling talaga eh.”

Though the Cardinals’ prized big man still normed eye-popping numbers, finishing with 20 points, 24 rebounds, and four blocks, the Chiefs ganged up in the paint as they made the other Mapua big men non-factors.

Flores held the fort down low as Arellano outrebounded Mapua, 60-46.

But for the 23-year-old transferee, he’s just glad to deliver for the Chiefs.

“Nag-pray lang ako na bigyan ako ng malakas na katawan ni Lord. Yung mga coaches ko, lagi nila akong tinuturuan kaya ginagawa ko lang talaga yung best ko para makuha namin yung championship,” he said after topping Arellano with 22 markers, 10 boards, and three rejections.

But Codiñera knows that the job still isn’t over, with Arellano drawing a tough draw with either San Beda or Perpetual Help in the finals.

“Dalawang super imports at limang strong locals yung sa Perpetual,” the mentor said of the duo of Bright Akhuetie and Prince Eze. “Sa San Beda naman, andoon yung culture at history. They beat us thrice, so we’ll make some adjustments.”

“We just have to be ready.”