Chiefs trounce Altas to snap 3-game skid

Arellano University coach Leo Isaac said after their first few games in Season 86 of the NCAA that his Chiefs still lack maturity.

But against Perpetual Help on Wednesday, Arellano showed that they can mature in the league after the Chiefs coasted to an 86-67 win over the Altas at The Arena in San Juan City. "We're still lacking maturity in our earlier games but the players showed (Wednesday) that they’re starting to learn and get the feel of the league," said Isaac, who dedicated the win to school president Francisco Paulino V. Cayco who is celebrating his birthday. The win brought Arellano back in the thick of things as it ended a three-game slide after posting an 82-72 opening day win over Emilio Aguinaldo College. Rookie Rocky Acidre, a transferee out of Philippine Maritime Institute (PMI), erupted for a game-high 24 points shooting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc to go with his five rebounds, three assist and two steals. Andrian Celada, Isiah Ciriacruz and Vergel Zulueta tallied 18, 14 and 12 markers each to support Acidre’s hot shooting. Ronnie del Rosario, back after sitting out last season due to academic problems, only scored four points but grabbed 11 rebounds, issued seven assists and blocked three shots. "He (del Rosario) is making up for lost time because he was ineligible last year, he really wants to prove something," said Isaac. Arnold Danganan led Perpetual's losing cause with 13 points while Justine Alano and Raffy Ynion tallied 12 apiece. George Allen added 11 markers. The Altas fell to their fifth straight setback. – JVP, GMANews.TV