Arellano University finally broke through in the NCAA Season 99 Seniors Basketball Tournament, stunning defending champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 87-80, on Sunday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
This is the Chiefs’ first-ever win under Chico Manabat, who replaced Cholo Martin during the off-season. And it was a much-needed triumph for the program, which lost Cade Flores and Travis Mantua.
They were also romped by San Beda (61-85), San Sebastian (86-111), Perpetual Help (66-85), and Lyceum (77-89) to begin their campaign.
“Basta yung pusong palaban, yan ang pinapaniwalaan namin. We would like to commend the players pati yung coaching staff kasi hinimay talaga nila,” said Manabat.
At the forefront of the Chiefs’ attack was unheralded guard Felix Villarante.
The rookie out of Philippine Christian University High School fired 15 points built on two triples with six assists.
“Actually, during the preseason, I was already grooming him. I have three point guards, all of them rookies, and one got injured, even (Yuan) Camay,” said Manabat about Villarante.
“I told him that I have no one else to rely on but him. Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, there’s only one thing to do: play good basketball and enjoy the game.”
The Chiefs weathered Deo Cuajao’s hot start and kept the game close until they took control in the fourth quarter when Villarente got hot.
Villarente scored 12 of his 15 points in the final frame alone to bury Letran and their breakthrough win.
Troy Valencia scored 14 points, Jade Talampas added 11, and Lars Sunga chipped in with 10 points in an all-around game for Arellano.
Arellano’s second unit made the difference in the game by outscoring Letran’s bench 42-19.
They will face Emilio Aguinaldo College next on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.
Kobe Monje impressed for the Knights, dropping 18 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Kurt Reyson followed with 16 points of his own, while Cuajao had 15 in the game.
The Knights have yet to secure their first win of the season, falling to 0-5.
Their schedule doesn’t get any easier as they face the second-seeded Mapua University next on Tuesday at 4:00 PM at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
The Scores:
Arellano 87 – Villarente 15, Valencia 14, Talampas 11, Sunga 10, Abastillas 9, Yanes, Ongotan 5, Dayrit 5, Capulong 5, Geronimo 4, Mallari 4, Dela Cruz 0
Letran 80 – Monje 18, Reyson 16, Cuajao 15, Santos 9, Ariar 7, Javillonar 5, Nunag 4, Garupil 4, Fajardo 2, Guarino 0
Quarterscores: 25-27, 47-50, 64-65, 87-80
