ARELLANO University’s stirring opening day win underscored the balance among the squads in the new NCAA cage wars. It was enough proof that San Sebastian College should not look past the Chiefs.
“As coach Cholo (Martin) said, every team has a chance to win and I believe in him,” Golden Stags coach Egay Macaraya said.
“So, we’re hoping we can play better basketball and win,” he added.
San Sebastian tests Arellano’s resolve when they square off today as the 98th NCAA basketball tournament resumes at The Arena in San Juan.
The curtain-raiser is set at noon, with the Stags keen on launching their drive on a high.
Equally determined are the Chiefs, who eked out a 63-58 decision over Emilio Aguinaldo College three days ago.
The Generals try to bounce back when they take on the San Beda Red Lions, who are also raring to atone for a 55-66 loss to Mapua University last Saturday, at 3 p.m.
Gone for the Recto-based five is hardworking big man JM Calma, now proving his worth with NorthPort in the PBA, but the likes of Ichie Altamirano, Kenneth Villapando, and Romel Calahat will be counted upon by the Stags to deliver.
Arellano tactician Cholo Martin maintained his wards are out to prove they are no pushovers.
“I was a little bit surprised pero alam ko na itong team ko ngayon, hindi nagpapabaya hanggang dulo. Lalaban iyan,” Martin said. “Iyong present line-up namin, everybody wants to prove something.”
