Arellano University had the honor of being the first school to experience the home court advantage in the NCAA. But for them, it was not a blast to host such a game.
The Chiefs lost to the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags, 56-65, Thursday evening in the Arellano Gym in Legarda, which can only accommodate around 200 spectators, according to Arellano’s Athletic Office.
Even though the game took place in their campus, due to logistical problems, not all fans were able to enter the venue. In addition to that, no drums were heard and the pep squads’ cheering were limited.
“Ayoko. It’s better talaga sa venue,” remarked Arellano head coach Jerry Codinera, as only a few students were allowed inside the Arellano Gym. “Sa venue na ma-accommodate lahat ng fans kasi di naka-cheer fans namin eh, because of the venue, even though nandito kami sa school.
“Maraming di nakapanood, I don’t think they are happy. Ang daming humihingi ng tickets sa amin sa labas. Sabi ko di ko alam ang set up eh. Yung drums wala rin,” Codinera furthered.
“Naging quiet. Parang ordinary tune-up game. Para sa akin ah, I may be right, I may be wrong.”
Moreover, Codinera admitted that his players were pressured to play in front of their classmates and professors. And it was visible during the start of the game that saw them fall to an early 16-point deficit, 8-24.
“Tapos siyempre the pressure is too much, you’re playing sa home court, sobra. Buti pa sa ibang venue eh. Na-feel din na mga bata yun,” the PBA legend recalled.
But despite their not-so-good experience playing in the home court, Codinera still acknowledged the faults of his own team.
“It’s more on sa amin ang pressure. I can say. Pero immature pa rin yung team. Maraming bago. We are there pero inconsistent pa,” he closed, as Arellano fell to a 1-1 slate.
– BY: Danine Cruz
