Justin Arana’s injury dampened Arellano University’s 65-63 come-from-behind win against San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the NCAA Season 97 Seniors Basketball Tournament, Sunday at La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong City.
Arana, the reigning NCAA Defensive Player of the Year, was stretchered out of the game after his right knee buckled off a rebound, 1:49 left in the game, leaving the Chiefs with much to ponder in closing out the game.
The 6-foot-7 big man out of Bicol got 16 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in the contest, helping Arellano get closer to the Stags.
“Medyo pagod na siya eh. Bumigay na yung calf niya kasi whole game siya naglalaro eh,” said Chief head coach Cholo Martin as his prized big man had already logged 35 minutes and 31 seconds prior to the injury. “So sana wag naman malala, kailangan namin siya eh. Mamaya malalaman namin yung findings. May PT kami eh. May umattend na sa kanya. “
Still, it was a gutsy win for the Chiefs.
Down by as much as 14 points in the contest, 50-36, and 58-49 midway through the final frame, the Chiefs rallied back against the Golden Stags behind the duo of Arana, the debuting Jordan Sta. Ana, and sophomore Gelo Sablan.
Behind the former University of Santo Tomas trio, Arellano went on a 13-2 blast capped by a Sablan triple with 2:38 remaining.
The Golden Stags then took advantage of Arana’s injury afterward as Jessie Sumoda knocked down a big three with 1:38 left to regain the lead.
Sablan then drew a foul with 47.3 ticks on the clock, knocking down two pressure-packed free throws.
Ken Villapondo missed on a free corner three that led to free throws for Sta. Ana. Sta. Ana though missed both of his attempts but was able secure the rebound with 4.9 seconds left.
San Sebastian Kalen Doromal was sent to the strip with 3.6 remaining, splitting his charities. Off a timeout, Michael Are missed a trey as Arellano escaped with the victory.
“First game namin ito after two years, wala kaming tune-up games so nangangapa pa. Buti na lang naka-adjust kami,” said Martin.
Sta. Ana ended with 14 points, two rebounds, and two assists while Troy Valencia and Sablan added nine points and five rebounds; and eight points and six rebounds, respectively.
Ichie Altamirano, who started the game on a tear for the Stags, eventually ended with 16 points, despite going down contesting the Sablan trey that forced him to sit out the rest of the game.
JM Calma also came out big with a near double-double of 13 points and nine rebounds while Villapondo got 10 points built on two treys.
Arellano will face Letran next on Wednesday at 12:00 NN while San Sebastian looks to bounce back against Perpetual Help on Friday also at 12:00 NN.
The Scores:
AU 65 — Arana 16, Sta. Ana 14, Valencia 9, Sablan 8, Doromal 7, Talampas 2, Carandang 2, Uri 2, Caballero 2, Abastillas 2, Concepcion 1, Oliva 0, Steinl 0, Dela Cruz 0.
SSC-R 63 — Altamirano 16, Calma 13, Villapando 10, Calahat 8, Sumoda 8, Are 4, Una 2, Desoyo 2, Ra. Gabat 0, Cosari 0, Re. Gabat 0, Loristo 0.
Quarterscores: 13-14, 29-33, 45-53, 65-63.
