The last time the Arellano Chiefs left the SM Mall of Asia Arena, they exited the venue reeling, as they had just been swept by the San Beda Red Lion in the Finals.
After nine months, Kent Salado made sure that the Chiefs would come out on top, leading his team to a 91-82 win over the Mapua University Cardinals, Saturday evening.
“Matamis. Very sweet win,” said Arellano head coach Jerry Codinera.
The Cagayan de Oro native steered the Chiefs with 24 points, scoring 13 in the third frame, to go along with seven rebound, four assists, and four steals.
“Siyempre kung si Salado lang, he cannot do it alone. I’m always counting on my second group. Sina Michael [Canete], [Levi] Dela Cruz, support ng mga other players,” the Defensive Minister added.
Big man Caneta, who came off the bench, added 17 points and 12 rebounds, six coming from the offensive end.
Leo Gabo served the final game of his four-game suspension in this game that stemmed from the infamous Mapua-EAC brawl last September 22, 2014. Kenneth Magboo was on the shelves due to injury as well.
Mapua head coach Atoy Co fielded in just eight players in the game. Still, the undermanned Cardinals fought valiantly as they kept pace with the Chiefs behind the hot-shooting of Laurenz Victoria. Victoria shot 9-for-11 from the field for a game-high 23 points.
But the lack of depth proved to be too much late in the game. With the Chiefs up by just a solitary point (80-79) with 6:17 left after an Andoy Estrella lay-in, the Chief went on a game-breaking 11-0 run. Zach Nicholls, Allen Enriquez, and Levi dela Cruz contributed to the run. Salado then put the finishing touches, scoring on two Jio Jalalon-like pull-ups to give Arellano a game-high 91-79 lead with a minute left in the game.
“Sabi ko lang sa kanila nung halftime, kung manalo tayo na puro lay-up, okay lang basta as long as we get the win. Find a way to make that basket,” Codinera recalled.
Estrella added 19 points, nine rebounds, and five assists for Mapua, but committed seven turnovers. As a team, Mapua were forced to commit 25 turnovers that led to 18 Arellano points.
Without Allwell Oraeme, Mapua were out-rebounded 48-43.
Arellano will play their first home game this season on Thursday, July 13, facing the San Sebastian Golden Stags. Mapua, on the other hand, will have little time to reflect on this loss as the Cardinals take on the Letran Knights on Tuesday, July 11, at 4:00pm.
The Scores:
AU (91) РSalado 24, Ca̱ete 17, Meca 9, Dela Cruz 8, Enriquez 8, Villoria 7, Flores 5, Nicholls 5, Abanes 3, Alcoriza 3, Concepcion 2, Ongolo Ongolo 0, Padilla 0.
MU (82) РVictoria 23, Estrella 19, Orquina 9, Aguirre 8, Nieles 8, Raflores 8, Pelayo 7, Bu̱ag 0.
Quarterscores: 19-23, 44-46, 72-71, 91-82.
