Arellano University head coach Cholo Martin admitted he was surprised by how his new roster fared against Emilio Aguinaldo College in their opening day win on Saturday.
With the likes of Justine Arana, Gelo Sablan, and Jordan Sta. Ana gone, a number of Chiefs stepped up for the Legarda crew as they opened their NCAA Season 98 campaign.
A returning veteran in transferee Shane Menina starred in his Arellano University debut, finishing with 15 points and five rebounds while Axel Doromal and Neil Tolentino also took care of their roles with 13 and 10 points, respectively.
“[I was] a little bit surprised pero alam ko na 'yung team ko ngayon, hindi papabayaan hanggang dulo. Lalaban 'yan,” said Martin following their 63-58 win.
“'Yung present lineup namin, everybody wants to prove something. So up to the last minute, trabaho lang sila nang trabaho and I'm happy with that.”
Martin also lauded his players for holding their fort against a taller EAC side, which was bannered by big men Allen Liwag and Erlan Umpad.
Despite a smaller lineup, Arellano still managed to outrebound EAC, 55 to 50.
“Nale-late pa rin kami, nao-open pa rin sila but sa practice, inensayo namin 'yun talaga so sa later part of the game, naka-adjust naman 'yung mga players ,” Martin shared.
“So luckily nakakuha naman ng mga rebounds and we were able to score.”
—JMB, GMA News
