Fresh from its first victory on opening day, Arellano hopes to ride on momentum when it faces San Sebastian on Tuesday, Sept. 13, in the NCAA Season 98 men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Tipoff is set at 12 noon as the Chiefs (1-0) eye for their second straight win while the Stags are just set to open their campaign in the tournament.
Shane Darrel Menina showed eagerness to play for his last playing year in the collegiate scene after lifting Arellano with 15 points, including a pair of clutch free throws, and five rebounds in its 63-58 win against Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Playing for the first time at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Menina shone bright when it mattered the most alongside Axel Doromal and Neil Tolentino, who scored 13 and 10 points, respectively, and combined for 10 rebounds.
The Chiefs showed a glimpse of their new form sans the presence of big man Justin Arana, who is already signed with Converge in the PBA.
The departure of the 6-foot-7 Arana, who was part of last season's Mythical Five as well as All-Defensive team, was a huge blow for Arellano but it has long been accepted as head coach Cholo Martin looks to make another promising run in the country's oldest collegiate league.
In Season 97, Arellano finished sixth place and was able to make it into the qualifying playoff but fell short against Perpetual.
"Sa practice, inensayo namin 'yon talaga," said Martin's adjustment for Arellano as he found ways for his bigs to step up as new reinforcements in the paint.
And it looks like Cade Flores, who stands at 6-foot-4, will become the Chiefs' new cornerstone in the shaded area, posting nine points and 13 rebounds.
"Noong later part of the game (against EAC) naka-adjust naman 'yong mga players. Luckily, nakakuha ng rebounds and we were able to score mga last two minutes of the game," added Martin.
Over at the 3 p.m. encounter, San Beda (0-1) and EAC (0-1) clash against each other in the hopes of barging in the win column after yielding their respective day matches against Arellano and Mapua.