“Gusto namin balikan yung mga tumalo samin nung 1^st round.”

The Arellano Chiefs’ 3-6 record does not paint the whole picture. They are slotted for ninth place heading into the second round of elimination games, but that position barely tells the story of Arellano's resilience thus far in #NCAA100. 

They might not have won a lot of games in round one, but when they did they made sure that they would put the league on notice.

The Benilde Blazers and the San Beda Red Lions– both powerhouse teams in their own right– have therefore one thing in common: they were beaten by the ninth-ranked Chiefs.

And these huge wins, albeit few in number, weren’t a fluke, according to master tactician Chico Manabat, rather a sharp reminder that they have an effective system to trust and that they “could compete at the highest level.”

CONFIDENCE AND TRUSTING THE PROCESS
Coach Chico likes what he is seeing from his boys so far, and he wants to capitalize on these emphatic wins by the Chiefs heading into the second round.  

“It really is a confidence booster, showing that we can compete at the highest level… this is a big impact for us because we know that the system is effective and our efforts and sacrifices in everyday training are giving us the results,” said Manabat in an online interview with GMA Regional TV News.

Particularly, he sees their win against Benilde as a foundational building block in their confidence moving forward, suggesting that they now know “how to close out games and win after all the meltdowns and heartbreaking losses.”

Asked about their patterned fourth quarter collapse that had spelled doom for them in most of their games in round one, Coach Chico chooses to pay attention to the positive vibrations from his team’s strong effort to compete.

“Every game, no matter the result, is an opportunity to learn and improve. Our coaches remind players to love the process. It's about giving their best effort, trusting one another and understanding that setbacks can be a tool for future success,” shared the head coach.

Chico also made mention of three key guys whose styles of play have impressed him, namely Maverick Vinoya, T-MC Ongotan, and JL Capulong. “They play all heart and hustle,” said Manabat, “and the trust I give them, binabalik nila sa akin.”

His goal entering the second and final stretch of Season 100 is to win as much games, make the final four, and in the process get back at their tormentors.

“Our goal is to maintain momentum and to win as much as we can to be able to climb higher on the standings and to have a spot on the Final Four,” he shared.

“Gusto namin balikan yung mga tumalo samin nung 1^st round,” Coach Chico warned.

ARELLANO CHIEFS THE GIANT-SLAYERS
Arellano won three of their first nine assignments, two of which have a strong case to be considered upset victories– one against the defending champions and the other versus the top-seeded team this season. 

Both routs of San Beda and Benilde were neck and neck from start to finish. 

On September 28, the erstwhile bottom-seeded Chiefs took down the reigning NCAA kings in a back-and-forth thriller, 72-70, on the backs of BPG winner Ernjay Geronimo, as well as a bankable supporting cast in T-MC Ongotan and JL Capulong.

Six days later, they would pull off their next major feat by toppling a loaded Blazers squad, 73-71. Ernjay Geronimo showcased yet another brilliant offensive display, shooting six of seven from the field to tally 14 points. Timely baskets by Renzo Abiera, Ongotan, and Capulong made it difficult for the Blazers to escape the Arellano avalanche.

Notably, AU also made a strong run against another heavyweight contender in the Clint Escamis-led Mapúa Cardinals. It was nip and tuck until the dying moments of the game, but eventually went in favor of the Season 99 runners-up. 

What this has possibly proven is that the Chiefs have the arsenal to compete and the guts to stand their ground and keep up with the best NCAA contenders today.

ARELLANO COMMUNITY
“The wins also are a big proud moment for the Arellano community giving back the huge support we get every game from the fAUmily,” said the Arellano head coach.

It is a fact that whenever the Chiefs play, no matter the day, weather, or circumstance, a massive blue-wearing crowd is in attendance. 

They draw some of the largest audiences in the NCAA, thanks to a relentlessly supportive AU student body and alumni community who never cease to come and support the team.

“To all the Arellano Community who is always here to support us, thank you for being our inspiration… Laban hanggang dulo. Hail to the Chiefs!”