Arellano learned it the hard way how important communication and teamwork in its NCAA men’s basketball title bid.
Last Tuesday, the Chiefs bowed to the San Beda Red Lions for the third straight time in a playoff for the top spot in the Final Four.
The score was 80-73, and it was a defeat that shook Arellano’s cohesion at the crucial stage of the tournament.
Star player Jio Jalalon admitted they lost their focus in a match that could have given them a momentum heading to the Final Four on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Nagkanya-kanya kami dito,” said Jalalon after the game. “Nawala yung teamwork na pinakita namin nung first elimination round. Lesson learned sa amin.”
Even Coach Jerry Codiñera said his stalwarts were not in their usual competitive self especially when faced against San Beda.
“Nawala yung poise. Naging overeager sila, tight. Nawala yung composure,” said Codiñera.
“Any loss is a concern. The good thing about us is that we have the twice-to-beat advantage in the semis. But the players have to adjust right away after every loss, see what went wrong, learn where to improve,” he added.
