Arellano thwarts UCN in rousing NCRAA start

Heavy favorite Arellano University walloped Universal College of Nursing, 62-54, Monday to set in motion its three-peat bid in the 2008 National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) basketball tournament.

Sweet-shooting Adrian Celada fired 15 points while Jordan Melano, Orlando Daroya and Jerome Agustin scattered 14, 11 and eight points, respectively, to power the Chiefs to a rousing start in the tournament it ruled the last two years.

“It’s nice to start the tournament with a victory,” said Arellano coach Leo Isaac. “If we could continue to stay in shape, disciplined and work harder, we’ll do okay.”

The win by the Chiefs came a few days before they face the UCN dribblers, who topped the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association champions, in another duel, this time in a bigger stage in the 2008 Philippine Collegiate Champions League’s Sweet 16.

Drawing strength on a free-flowing offense centered on PBL veteran Daroya, Arellano U shocked 2006 UAAP champion University of Santo Tomas in the zonal qualifiers a month back.

With a talented roster, Arellano should be the favorite to win a third straight NCRAA crown that should add up to the Legarda-based school’s glowing accomplishments as they bid to become the newest member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.