The Arellano Chiefs fired on all cylinders as they clipped the San Sebastian Golden Stags, 82-66, for their first win in the NCAA Season 101.
Bacolodnon high-flyer Renzo Abiera put on a near-perfect showcase with a career-high 19 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting from the field in only 18 minutes of play to win the best player honors.
The Dumaguete City native also laced his impressive shooting with two boards, an assist and a block, with 0 turnovers and two out of three from the freethrow line.
New recruit Anjord Cabotaje, who according to Abiera is his designated ‘splash brother’ under coach Chico Manabat’s system, lived up to the billing and put on a three-point clinic for the Chiefs, exploding for five triples on an efficient 56% from beyond the arc.
The hotshot rookie out of Pililia, Rizal also had three steals to top his 15 points, making for a strong showcase from both ends of the floor.
Arellano’s big men Maverick Vinoya and CJ Libang also poured in sizable contributions. Vinoya had 15 points, three rebounds, three dimes, and two steals; while the latter clogged the paint with 11 rebounds and five swats on top of five markers.
On the other side, San Sebastian was led by rookie guard Ian Cuajao and sophomore Christian Ricio’s 12 points apiece, while NCAA 100 juniors Mythical Team member Jhuniel dela Rama had a double-double 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The win is Arellano’s first in Season 101, cracking the win column in Group A following a tough 87-90 loss in their season-opener against the Mapúa Cardinals last Saturday.
San Sebastian, meanwhile, goes 0-2 to start their NCAA 101 campaign under new head coach Rob Labagala.
SCORES:
SSCR 66 - Cuajao 12, Ricio 12, Dela Rama 10, Felebrico 8, Lumanag 8, Gabat 7, Are 5, Nepacena 2, Dimaunahan 2, Castor 0, De Liaño 0, Velasco 0
AU 82 - Abiera 19, Vinoya 15, Cabotaje 15, Valencia 8, Geronimo 8, Libang 5, Borromeo 4, Hernal 3, Langit 3, Camay 1, Buenaventura 1, Anama 0, Miller 0, Demetria 0, Espiritu 0
