The Arellano University will have the honor of being the first NCAA team to hold home field advantage this NCAA Season, as the Chiefs take on the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags on Thursday, July 13, at the Arellano Gym in Legarda, Manila City.
Bringing the games close to their member schools has been the point of emphasis of the Grand Old League this season. And it will test the mental toughness of the student-athletes and how they will react to a partisan crowd.
But the Chiefs, a team that won their first assignment for the season last Saturday, remain wary even if they hold an advantage against a Golden Stags team that gave the defending champions a run for their money on opening day.
“Siyempre merong home court, crowd. Malaking tulong yun sa amin, familiarity sa gym, home court, we have the advantage. Dapat lang ma-utilize yun,” shared Arellano head coach Jerry Codinera.
“Don’t bank on it because we still have to outwork them.
“San Sebastian, the way they played, toe-to-toe, down-the-line, naka-ganun yung San Sebastian sa San Beda. You just have to be ready ‘pag sila kalaban,” the PBA legend added.
But Arellano ace Kent Salado admitted that even if they will hold homecourt, the game is still a toss-up. With that, the Chiefs will enter the game with the same mindset as they do in every game they play on neutral ground.
“Sa akin lang, home court sabi pero di ko naman iniisip na home court kasi bilog din yung bola,” said Salado, who had 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals against Mapua.
“Yung Baste, puro trap sila. Lalaruin lang namin.”
