On Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, 4 pm, the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs went up against this National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 98’s host school, Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals in an exciting first game of the season.
The starting five for the Chiefs were team captain Kai Oliva, Axel Doromal, Danielle Mallari, Cade Flores and Neil Tolentino. It was a rocky start for the Chiefs with the Generals scoring 5-points off the bat. However, AU Chief rookie-veteran Neil Tolentino scored the first 2-pointer for the AU team, pushing the Chiefs to get into their rhythm. Axel Doromal followed with the Chiefs’ first 3-pointer of the game. They tied the game at 7 points, with team captain Kai Oliva scoring with a lay-up. In a little less than the last 5 mins of the first quarter, Joshua Abastillas, Wilmar Oftana and Shane Menina were subbed in. The three played quality minutes off the bench. Abastillas and Oftana played great defense, with the former contributing to the rebound count of the Chiefs and Shane Menina leading the offense.
AU Chief Shane Menina’s fast break and reverse layup led to a tie. Axel Doromal quickly added another 2-pointer, giving the Chiefs their first lead. Wilmar Oftana contributed a step-back 3-pointer giving the Chiefs a 4-point lead. However, the Generals continued to play aggressive offense. The 1st quarter ended with a score of 17-14, with the Generals taking the lead.
The second quarter started with a quick 3 by the Generals. However, AU Chief rookie Travis Mantua and veteran Jade Talampas scored consecutively for the Chiefs. Danielle Mallari scored a put-back 2 pointer to the AU team, cutting the lead of the Generals to 2 points. The Generals were quick to recover with another two points. Travis Mantua then shot a 3-pointer to cut the Generals’ lead to 1-point. The Generals seemed unfazed as they scored right off their time out, dragging the lead out to as much as 9 points. Cade Flores stopped the bleeding with a pull-up jumper. The Chiefs stayed aggressive both defensively and offensively. Joshua Abastillas played quality minutes, getting important rebounds for the Chiefs. Shane Menina then shot 2 consecutive 3 pointers to cut the Generals’ lead to 1 point. To retaliate, the Generals added 3 more points to bring their lead up to 4. The Chiefs stayed aggressive and cut the lead to 2 points, with rookie Cade Flores hitting the buzzer. The second quarter ended with 33-35, in favor of the Generals.
The Chiefs started the third quarter strong, with an adjustment to their defense. They scored off the bat, and took an early lead in the quarter. It was a running game for the Chiefs and Generals– exchanging shots for the lead. The Generals took the lead with 1 point. The Chiefs were quick to respond with Neil Tolentino’s spin move. The Generals scored and took the lead by 1 point in the last seconds of the 3rd quarter. The 3rd quarter ended with 46-47, with the Generals at the lead.
The 4th quarter started with a bit of drama, as AU head coach Cholo Martin was given a warning for entering the court to challenge the last play at the end of the 3rd quarter. He insisted that a foul needed to be called on the Generals, for an alleged contact on AU Chief Cade Flores. The Chiefs and the Generals battled it out in the 4th quarter with the lead as far up to 2 points. Axel Doromal then tied the game with 2 free throws 51-51 in the 4th quarter. The Generals were quick to respond scoring 2 points leading to the 5th deadlock of the game. It was the offensive rebound and assist of Cade Flores to Neil Tolentino along with the fast break of Shane Menina that gave the Chiefs a 4 point lead in the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter.
The Chiefs outscored the Generals in the 4th quarter, scoring a total of 17 points to the Generals’ 11 points. The last few minutes of the quarter, was a close fight; however, Shane Menina sent a dagger in favor of the AU Chiefs, with 2 free throws. Axel Doromal sealed the game, giving the Chiefs their first win in the season. The 4th quarter ended at 63-58.
The opening game was an intense fight with at least 5 deadlocks. The Chiefs, were able to out rebound the Generals, with 55 REBS to the Generals’ 50. Cade Flores led the rebound board for the Chiefs with 13 REBS, followed by Danielle Mallari with 11 REBS, Joshua Abastillas and Axel Doromal with 6 REBS a- piece.
The overall win of the Chiefs was a team effort led by player of the game Shane Menina’s performance of 15 PTS, 5 REBS, 1 STL, and 1 AST. With notable performances by Cade Flores with 13 REBS and 9 PTS, Danielle Mallari with 11 REBS and 3 PTS, Neil Tolentino 5 REBS and 10 PTS, Axel Doromal with 6 REBS and 13 PTS, and Joshua Abastillas contributed 6 REBS, 2 PTS, and 1 BLK. Travis Mantua contributed 5 PTS and 1 REB; Kai Oliva with 2 REBS, 2 PTS and 1 STL, Jade Talampas with 3 REBS, 2 PTS and 1 STL, Wilmar Oftana with 1 REB and 3 PTS and Lars Sunga chipping in 2 REBS.
The Chiefs are set to play against the San Sebastian Stags on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, 12 NN.