Arellano University head coach Cholo Martin expected the troika of Justin Arana, Gelo Sablan, and Jordan Sta. Ana to lead the way in their do-or-die game against Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday.
The three Chiefs responded to the call.
It was a normal day for big man Arana, collecting yet another double-double of 21 points and 18 rebounds to go along with three assists and three blocks.
Sablan also came up in the clutch to finish with 12 markers, seven boards, one steal, and one dime while Sta Ana. chipped in eight points, four assists, and two rebounds in the win.
"Sinabihan ko talaga sila na mag-take over kasi wala ng next chance eh. Talagang sila 'yung aming one-two-three namin and then Axel (Doromal), Maui (Cruz), and (Kai) Oliva," said Martin on the heels of their 70-55 win over the Generals.
"Masaya ako kasi nagkaron pa kami ulit ng chance ahead sa game with JRU. Mahalaga talaga 'to para sa amin."
With the crucial win, Arellano still has the chance to catch the play-in tournament with one game left in the elimination round against Jose Rizal University on Wednesday.
The teams ranked third through sixth places at the end of the elimination round will participate in the play-in games with spots in the Final Four at stake. The Chiefs (3-5) are tied with three other teams — San Sebastian, Perpetual, and EAC — for fifth to eighth places.
"Pinaghandaan talaga kami ng EAC tsaka gusto rin nilang manalo and talagang [intense] ako sa game kasi importante eh, you miss and you'll die."
—JMB, GMA News
