The Arellano Chiefs went up against the Mapua Cardinals last 10 April 2022, Sunday. The Chiefs were suffering a 3 game losing streak, which led to the record of 1-3, while the Mapua Cardinals had just suffered a loss from the Letran Knights, leading to a record of 3-1. With the 2 teams tasting defeat, they were both in need of a win.
The Chiefs played with almost perfect teamwork– like a well oiled machine, which ultimately led them to take the win from the Mapua Cardinals. Rookie Jordan Sta. Ana ignited the spark of the Chiefs during the first quarter of the game that led to their continued success, where he scored the first 6 PTS of the game. However, the Cardinals took the lead at 6-10 with 5: 28 left in the first quarter. It was the joint efforts from team captain Gelo Sablan and co-captain Justin Arana which generated points (from their 2 point shots and rebounds) that helped the Chiefs stay on track, tying the game at the 4:36 mark. Adding fuel to the fire, Kai Oliva was able to assist Jordan Sta. Ana by delivering two 3 pointers during the first quarter. Maui Cruz, played quality minutes by playing good defense and efficiently distributing the ball. At the end of the first quarter the Chiefs led 23-19, with 10 points coming from Sta. Ana.
The Cardinals started the second quarter strong, rallying with quick shots, which eventually tied the game, and even led by as much as 1 point during the second quarter. However, AU Chief rookie small/power forward, John Cayno Carandang, sparked the Chiefs’ rally with a 3 pointer, in turn giving AU a 2 point lead. The Cardinals were quick to respond to tie the game. After a timeout, Coach Cholo Martin substituted Kobe Caballero (who contributed 3 points earlier in the 2nd quarter) while Maui Cruz played quality minutes with great defense and effectively brought the ball down court. Carandang made another crucial 3 pointer, which sparked the Chiefs’ rally. Justin Arana and Axel Doromal also amplified the match by securing rebounds (limiting second chance points for the Cardinals) and giving 4 straight points respectively. Doromal also played great defense against the Cardinals’ guard Pido, forcing him for a turnover. The second quarter ended with a score of 41-35, in favor of the Chiefs. At the end of the first half, Justin Arana had a total of 10 rebounds, while Sta. Ana, Oliva, and Carandang were the Chiefs’ leading scorers.
Justin Arana started the third quarter strong, added 2 points and drew a foul. He followed it up with a monster block, keeping the fire going for the Chiefs. It was during the third quarter where the team work of the Chiefs was much evident through their fast break plays, quality defense, and assists. They led by as much as 14 points, however the Cardinals started to rally at the 3:54 mark, with five unanswered points, the lead was cut to 9. The Chiefs’ defense stayed strong, keeping the lead at 8 points by the end of the 3rd quarter (56-48).
AU Chief rookie Christian Uri played quality minutes in the fourth quarter. He added 2 points off the bench and made a crucial 2 pointer to stop the early rally of the Cardinals. As Carandang played quality defense, he was able to add his third block of the game. Maui Cruz also contributed another crucial shot for the Chiefs, giving them a 7 point lead. However, the Cardinals refused to be outplayed, cutting the lead down by as much as 2 points. It was then that Jordan Sta. Ana made a crucial 2 pointer that sent the lead of the Chiefs back to 4 points. The defensive efforts of team captain Gelo Sablan sent the Cardinals to a 24 second-shot clock violation, giving the Chiefs ball possession which resulted in Arana taking the two and drawing a foul. The Chiefs played steady and eventually built their lead up to 10 points. The game concluded with the Chiefs taking the win at 72-63.
“Salamat at nakaahon din,” said Coach Cholo Martin to NCAA reporter Micaller (2022) in an article published by GMA News. He reported that the team was fighting for their standings in the tournament because if they kept losing, they would be left behind. He added that the odds of them entering the playoffs, or at least the play-in tournament, is still a possibility.