Philippine Navy head coach Ewon Arayi credited the Lady Sailors’ defense for their narrow victory over the star-studded Pilipinas Aguilas in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) last Sunday.
Arayi emphasized that their defensive strategy focused on shutting down the Aguilas’ offense, especially limiting Chack Cabinbin’s ability to penetrate the defense.
“To be honest, we really focused on the offense of our opponents. Ni-review talaga namin eh. Actually, Chack Cabinbin is a very strong penetrator talaga, alam naman natin ‘yung galaw ng bata. We really planned anong ibabato namin sa kanila,” said Arayi.
Navy stepped up its defense in the final two minutes to hold off the Aguilas’ comeback attempt. Andrea Tongco and Josephine Ong played key roles in sealing the 72-65 win at the Mandaluyong City College Science and Technology Gym.
The Lady Sailors successfully limited Cabinbin to just eight points on 4-of-9 shooting, along with three assists, in 31 minutes of action.
(C) WMPBL
“Thank God nag-materialize naman ‘yung defense namin. Sinabi ko sa kanila, kung hindi tayo maglalaro ng depensa, pantay lang ‘yang laban. Hindi natin alam kung sino ‘yung mananalo,” said Arayi.
“Pero kung maglaro tayo ng magandang depensa, tayo ang magdidikta kung mananalo tayo o hindi.”
It was a highly-anticipated match due to the talent-packed rosters of both teams.
Pilipinas Aguilas features a strong mix of young talent and veteran leadership, with players like Cabinbin, Jhazmin Joson, Monique Del Carmen, Trina Guytingco, Mar Prado, Tina Deacon, Mikka Cacho, Kath Araja, Melody Cac, and Fil-Hawaiian forward Alexis Pana.
Meanwhile, Navy is led by Gilas Women veterans Afril Bernardino, Gemma Miranda, and Andrea Tongco.
Bernardino admitted that it was a tough matchup for the Lady Sailors and praised the incredible talent displayed in the game and throughout the league.
“Challenging sila kalaban, challenging. Talagang every game you learn something,” said Bernardino, who finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists.
“Every game sobrang nakaka-amaze kasi lahat ng Pinay ballers, ang gagaling nila. ‘Yun lang masasabi ko, sobrang galing talaga ng Pinay ballers.”
