Arellano University needed an answer late in the game when Mapua University was threatening a comeback.
After leading by as much as 11, the Chiefs saw their huge cushion trimmed to just two, 56-54, with 3:09 left. Arellano also lost a key piece when big man Cade Flores fouled out in the dying minutes of the game.
But head coach Cholo Martin turned to his reliable backcourt tandem of Axel Doromal and Shane Menina. Doromal's steady scoring and Menina's three-point dagger proved to be enough to get the win despite the absence of Flores late.
“Oo. All in all, malaking bagay siya (Flores) sa team. Pero nag-step up naman ang iba,” said Martin.
“Nakakuha naman ng rebounds ang teammates niya.”
Doromal finished with a team-high 16 points while veteran Menina chimed in with 13 markers on 4-of-6 triples to go along with seven rebounds and two assists.
And Martin expressed his full confidence in the duo.
“Sila na ang aming 1-2 (punch). They take charge.”
—JMB, GMA News
