It was a do-or-die game last Sunday (24 April 2022) at 3pm for the Chiefs against the EAC Generals. They needed this win for a chance to compete in the Play-In round of the NCAA Season 97, where the top 6 teams battle it out for the playoffs.
The AU Chiefs made a team effort to take an early lead in the first half. It was an exciting first quarter between the Chiefs and the Generals, where both teams competed for the lead. Jordan Sta. Ana started the first quarter strong, scoring the first 6 points for the Chiefs. It was a tight fight between the two teams; however it was the assist of Jordan Sta. Ana to Kai Oliva for a big three pointer along with an offensive rebound by Stefan Steinl that led the Chiefs to take the first quarter, at 17-14.
The second quarter had a surprising combination, where Coach Cholo Martin fielded Justin Arana, Stefan Steinl and Archie Concepcion. They gave the Chiefs a big 22-2 run. The offensive and defensive efforts of the three, sparked the run for the team. The Chiefs led by as much as 21 points; however, the Generals started to rally towards the last few minutes of the 2nd quarter, cutting the Chiefs’ lead to 14 points, 44-30.
The Generals started the 2nd half strong, coming up with 6 quick points cutting the lead to 8. Justin Arana then stopped the bleeding with a big 2-pointer. The rotation of Maui Cruz, Archie Concepcion, Justin Arana, Gelo Sablan, and Kai Oliva proved effective; their defensive efforts helped the Chiefs retain the lead. The 3rd quarter ended with the Chiefs up by 8 points, 55-47.
The defense of the Chiefs held in the 4th quarter. The rebounds that led to second chance points along with the big 3-pointer made by team captain Gelo Sablan and the assist of Jordan Sta. Ana to Axel Doromal sealed the win for the Chiefs.
The game concluded with an undeniable victory for the Chiefs, at 70-55.
The Player of the Game was Co-Captain Justin Arana who had a double-double performance of 21 PTS, 18 REBS, 3 ASTS, and 3 BLKS. Notable performances came from Team Captain Gelo Sablan who had 12 PTS, 7 REBS, and 1 STL; big man Stefan Steinl had 8 PTS and 6 REBS; Jordan Sta. Ana with 8 PTS, 4 ASTS, and 2 REBS; Archie Concepcion contributed 8 PTS and 3 REBS; Axel Doromal had 8 PTS, 6 REBS, 1 AST, and 1 STL; and Maui Cruz with 2 PTS, 3 REBS, 1 AST, and 3 STLS.
The Chiefs will face the JRU Heavy Bombers next for a chance to get a spot in the Play-In round in the NCAA Season 97. We are in for another exciting do-or-die game on Wednesday, 27 April 2022, at 3pm.