ARELLANO University seeks to ride on the shoulders of Kent Salado anew as it guns for the solo lead against a vastly improved San Sebastian today in the 93rd NCAA basketball tournament at the Arellano U Gym in Legarda, Manila.
Salado, who took over the leadership mantle after former running mate Jio Jalalon turned pro last year, lived up to expectations and exploded with 24 points he topped with seven rebounds, four assists and four steals in the Chiefs’ 91-82 win over the Mapua Cardinals in Saturday’s opener at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
“He’s now the leader of this team and we expect bigger things from him this season,” said Arellano University coach Jerry Codinera of Jalalon.
While it was Salado who shone the brightest, Michael Canete made heads turn after the former St. John of Davao standout came out of nowhere to finish with 17 points and 12 boards.
And Canete was thankful for the opportunity.
“I was just doing the things coach (Codinera) told me and I’m thankful for the chance,” said Canete in Filipino.
The Stags, for their part, are expected to bounce back big from a heartbreaking 67-76 defeat to the San Beda Lions, the reigning champions, Saturday in a game where they had all the opportunities to win only to disintegrate in the end.
Michael Calisaan showed a new facet of his game as he hit a triple in four tries and finished with a team-high 13 points, while Lorenzo Navarro, a transferee from La Salle, finished with 12 points, seven assists and three steals.
The 4 p.m. Arellano U-San Sebastian match marks the second time this year that the league will bring the games straight to its students and alumni via the “NCAA on Tour.”
A pair of NCAA juniors game was held Sunday at the Letran Gym with reigning high school titlist Mapua and last year’s runner up San Beda hurdling their respective foes to zoom to the top.
Games today (Arellano U Gym, Legarda)
2 p.m.- Arellano vs San Sebastian (jrs)
4 p.m.- Arellano vs San Sebastian (srs)