Colegio de San Juan de Letran head coach Bonnie Tan was not the least bit happy when he learned that Arellano big man Justin Arana would be sidelined when the Knights would take on the Chiefs on Wednesday in the NCAA Season 97.
But given the situation, he admitted his team had to take advantage of the absence of Arana, the NCAA Season 95 Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
"Actually, sinasabi ko nga sa mga players, hindi naman dapat tayo magsaya na may na-injure na player kasi ayaw naman naming lahat 'yon na mangyari but we have to take advantage," Tan said in the post-game interview.
"And people are looking at us on how we will respond sa pagkawala ni Arana na pinaka-top center ng NCAA ngayon."
It ended up a lopsided win for the Knights, frustrating the Chiefs in a 96-67 victory at the La Salle Green Hills Gym to go undefeated at 2-0.
66 of Letran's points came from two-point territory, an indication that the absence of the 6-foot-7 Arana was felt by Arellano.
Arana was initially diagnosed with a partial ACL tear in his right knee but was cleared today of a major injury after seeking a second opinion from Dr. George Canlas. He is expected to return for the team soon.
Facing an Arellano team not at full strength, Tan hoped that his Letran team would not just take the win, but do it convincingly, especially after a less than ideal showing in their escape win against the De La Salle-College of Saint of Benilde Blazers in their opener last Saturday.
"'Di namin gusto 'yung isang panalo lang, mas gusto namin 'yung convincing win sana," the seasoned mentor said.
"Sabi nga namin, Arellano played well sa second half against Baste, who was leading all the way sa first half. We reminded our team of that."
—JMB, GMA News
