Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Nothing went the Arellano University Chiefs’ way as they opened their National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) campaign with a 78-61 defeat at the hands of the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday (June 27).
The Heavy Bombers were paced by Abdouladif Poutouchi, who contributed 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Fresh from a finals appearance in the last edition of the NCAA, the Chiefs were looking to replicate their success.
Unfortunately for them, the Heavy Bombers had other ideas.
JRU controlled the opening match and looked to be on its way to an easy victory as early as the end of the third quarter with a scoreline of 66-41.
Nothing was falling for the Chiefs as the fightback they were hoping for never came. The Heavy Bombers handled Chiefs in the final period as they coasted to the 78-61 finish.
The Chiefs were led by Michael Salado’s 15 points.
The scores:
JRU (78) — Poutouochi 23, Teodoro 11, Abdul Wahab 9, Lasquety 8, Sanchez 7, Dela Paz 6 Grospe 6 Pontejos 4 Cruz 2 Aurin 2
AU (61) — Salado 15, Holts 11, Enriquez 10, Cadavis 8, Gumaru 5, Bangga 5, Jalalon 4, Nichols 3.
