Arellano University fended off host Emilio Aguinaldo College, 63-58, to begin its campaign on opening day of NCAA Season 98 on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Shane Menina scored 15 points, including seven in the fourth quarter, alongisde five rebounds, one assist, and one steal to lead the Chiefs, who picked up the first win of the season.
Arellano also got solid outings from veteran Axel Doromal and transferee Neil Tolentino, who chipped in with 13 and 10 points each. Cade Flores was also a standout with nine points, 13 rebounds, and a block.
Down 55-53 with 3:26 left, Arellano unleashed a crucial 6-0 run fueled by Menina as they cruised to a 59-55 lead with 1:44 left.
But EAC's Ralph Robin, who was struggling offensively all game long, buried a triple to close the gap, 59-58, before Menina completed two charities, 61-58.
Robin had a chance to tie things up but he missed out on his three-pointer as Axel Doromal sealed the victory at the charity stripe.
The Chiefs closed the game on a 10-3 run to clinch the win.
Robin, who was held scoreless until the final minute of the game, finished with just three points on 1-for-12 shooting in a tough outing to open the season.
EAC was led by Allen Liwag, who had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Nat Cosejo, who finished with 10.
The Generals went big early on, fielding bruisers Liwag, Erlan Umpad, and JC Luciano as part of the starters as the trio led the hosts to a slim 17-14 first quarter lead.
Liwag, a sophomore, then took over in the second, pacing EAC with a near double-double of 10 points and nine rebounds for a 35-33 halftime cushion.
Prior to that, EAC led by nine points late in the second, 32-23, but Menina helped steady the ship for the Chiefs before the break.
Arellano and EAC will both return to action on Tuesday, taking on San Sebastian College-Recoletos and San Beda University, respectively.
The Scores:
ARELLANO 63 — Menina 15, Doromal 13, Tolentino 10, Flores 9, Mantua 5, Oftana 3, Mallari 2, Abastillas 2, Oliva 2, Talampas 2, Sunga 0.
EAC 58 — Liwag 12, Cosejo 10, Maguliano 9, Gurtiza 8, Umpad 8, Luciano 4, Tolentino 4, Robin 3, Balowa 0, An. Doria 0, Ad. Doria 0, Bajon 0.
Quarters: 14-17, 33-35, 46-47, 63-58.
—JMB, GMA News
