Chiefs Leap Early To Hand Perpetual Convincing 88-65 Defeat

The Arellano University Chiefs set the tone early with a blistering first-half assault, controlling the tempo from the opening tip to overpower the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas, 88-65, in the NCAA Season 102 Men's Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

King Vinoya lead Arellano's balanced attack with a game-high 15 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting display, attributing his offensive rhythm directly to their rigorous pre-game routine.

"Nag-prepare lang talaga kami nang mabuti," shared Vinoya during the post-game press conference. "Araw-araw pinalaalalahanan ako ni Coach Chico sa tamang shooting form, and thankful kami na nagbunga 'yung preparation namin sa game na ito."

Arellano capitalized on Perpetual's early ball-handling mishaps, mounting a 22-11 run in the opening five minutes before stretching their cushion to 31-15 late in the first quarter behind steady points off turnovers.

The Chiefs blew the game wide open in the second period as T-Mc Ongotan scored and created open looks for Yuan Camay and Sebastian Valencia, building a commanding 25-point lead at 44-19 before settling for a 53-35 halftime advantage.

Chiefs head coach Chico Manabat praised his squad's heightened discipline and cohesion, highlighting how limiting their usual miscues became the catalyst for the dominant victory.

"Siguro 'yung preparation, 'yun ang pinakanagbunga. 'Yung will to prepare to win," Coach Chico Manabat stated. 

"Naging consistent lang kami sa hindi kami daling consistent. We limit 'yung mga dati namin na maraming turnovers, and sa tactics naging detailed kami at binreakdown namin."

Perpetual attempted to chip away behind the interior scoring of JM Tulabut and Mark Gojo Cruz, trimming the deficit to 57-45 midway through the third. 

However, timely buckets from Ongotan and key plays by Ernest Geronimo restored order for the Chiefs heading into the final frame at 65-49.

Arellano put the game completely out of reach with back-to-back triples to open the fourth quarter, extending the margin to 71-49. Beyond their starting core, Coach Chico lauded the crucial bench spark provided by his second unit.

"Kung may Batman and Robin, 'yung mga 'minions' nagtrabaho talaga coming off the bench," Coach Chico added with a smile. "Sila 'yung kaninang bumuhay doon sa bench. Ang pinakamahalaga talaga rito 'yung togetherness."

Tulabut led Perpetual in the losing effort with 16 points on a perfect 7-of-7 field goal shooting, while Leobert Casinillo added 14 points.

The Scores:

ARELLANO 88 – Vinoya 15, Ongotan 13, Camay 10, Valencia 10, Borromeo 9, Libang 9, Geronimo 8, Abiera 6, Cabotaje 3, Manansala 2, Manansala 1, Langit 0, Flores 0, Anama 0.

PERPETUAL 65 – Tulabut 16, Casinillo 14, Gojo Cruz 9, Corpuz 4, Orgo 4, Cristino 3, Gelsano 2, Duremdes 2, Maglupay 2, Borja 2, Thompson 0, Roluna 0, Montemayor 0.

Quarterscores: 31-15, 53-35, 65-49, 88-65.

Photo Credits: NCAA Philippines Media