Dropping their opening match last night against the University of Visayas Lancers, the Arellano Chiefs bounced back for their first victory against Southwestern University Cobras, 77-61 in the last game of the PCCL Cebu Leg held at Cebu Coliseum.
Down seven points at the half, the last year’s PCCL bridesmaid finishers SWU tried to change up their defense with full court pressure but the Chiefs were able to respond with baskets off quick offensive sets. Despite mini rallies put up the CESAFI champions, AU countered with second chance baskets. Zach Nicholls drained in a triple with less than four minutes to go in the third to give the chiefs full momentum heading into the fourth.
The suffocating AU defense inside the paint forced the Cobras in settling for perimeter shots and consecutive turnovers that led to baskets in favor of the Chiefs. A tired-looking SWU team, who played their third consecutive game in three days shot poorly during the last quarter as the Chiefs scored on multiple buckets to pull away.
The Arellano Chiefs will face FEU Tamaraws and the San Beda Red Lions back in Manila to finish off their Elite 8 games. SWU finished their PCCL stint at the cellar of Group B by losing all their four games.
The Scores:
AU (77) – Jalalon 15, Hernandez 13, Holts 9, Salado 9, Cadavis 8, Tano 6, Enriquez 4, Salcedo 4, Gumaru 3, Nicholls 3, Meca 2, Bangga 0, De Guzman 0, Ortega 0.
SWU (61) – Tallo 16, Mohammed 11, J.R. Parker 8, Valdor 8, Bregondo 6, Goloran 6, J.J. Parker 2, Luz 2, Acuno 2, Pardo 0, Holper 0, Labitad 0, Racho 0.
Quarter Scores: 18-16; 32-25; 51-47; 77-61.
photos courtesy of Ronex Photography
