ARELLANO University shoots for the early lead as it plays San Sebastian College Tuesday in the National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors’ basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Chiefs coach Cholo Martin is happy that veteran guard Shane Menina delivered in his first game in the NCAA since 2016.
Menina scored a game-high 15 points and grabbed five rebounds in Arellano University’s 63-58 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) in last Saturday’s inaugurals.
“We all know what he’s capable of, the adjustment, the timing, he’s a big help to the team,” said Martin of Menina
Menina will go up against the Stags’ rising star Ichie Altamirano, who had a stellar showing in off-season leagues, in the 12 noon match.
A victory will give the Chiefs their first 2-0 start since 2016.
San Beda and EAC try to rebound from their opening-day losses in the day’s other game at 3 p.m.
The Red Lions are determined to give new coach Yuri Escueta his first collegiate win.
San Beda lost its first season-opener since 2005, yielding to Mapua in a rematch of last season’s Final Four, 66-55, last Saturday.
The Generals gave the Chiefs everything to handle before losing a close one in their season opener.
James Kwekuteye hopes to get support from JB Bahio, Ralph Penuela, Tony Ynot and Justin Sanchez for the Red Lions to enter the win column.
Allen Liwag, Ralph Robin, Kris Gurtiza, JP Maguliano and Nat Cosejo will be the vital cogs for EAC.