FRESH FROM their huge skid-busting victory in their last outing, the Arellano Chiefs try to stay on the side of winning when they collide with the San Sebastian Stags in National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 95 action today at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Set for 4 p.m., season host Arellano (2-6) goes for a second straight win after halting a three-game losing streak in its 4 p.m. battle with the San Sebastian (4-3), winner of its last two matches.
Playing in the opener of seniors play at 12 noon are the Letran Knights (5-3) against the College of Saint Benilde Blazers (5-2) followed by the collision between defending champions San Beda Red Lions (8-0) and Mapua Cardinals (3-5) at 2 p.m.
The Chiefs played huge in their last outing on the lead of Justin Arana to upset the Lyceum Pirates, 87-81.
Kept at bay in the opening quarter by the Pirates, the Legarda-based Chiefs picked things up in the second quarter and held steady the rest of the way to book the much-needed victory.
The first-year big man Arana finished with a strong double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds with returning veteran guard Kent Salado adding 16 points.
His strong effort in said game earned for Arana his first-ever player of the week award, something he said he would use to motivate him to continue working on his game.
“This is big thing for me. The team and the coaching staff gave me their confidence and I’m just thankful for that. I will continue to work to repay their trust,” said Arana, a transferee from the University of Santo Tomas, in the vernacular.
Meanwhile, out to stop the Chiefs are the Stags, who are currently on a roll after previously hitting a rough patch.
San Sebastian has won its last two games, the last one over the Perpetual Help Altas, 107-90, on Aug. 23.
Allyn Bulanadi once again rose for the Stags, dropping a career-best 31 points as they dominated the Altas right from the get-go.
Alvin Capobres backstopped Bulanadi with solid all-around numbers of 18 points with guard RK Ilagan adding 17 points. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
