Arellano University Head Coach Chico Manabat admitted that his team lacked the effort to win their quarterfinals match against the Letrán Knights last November 26 2025 in the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.
Something Not Calculated by the Numbers
After losing their twice to beat advantage and losing to the Letrán Knights with a score of 87 – 71, Head Coach Chico Manabat spoke truthfully during the postgame interview that they hit their average in terms of 3-point makes and Free Throw Percentage but needed more “effort” from his boys.
Something that isn’t calculated by the numbers and isn’t shown in the statistical sheet.
“Siguro dahil sa binibigay sa aming defense, we attempted, kinailangan namin mag attempt ng outside three pointers. Nandoon na nga kami sa average namin na mayroon na kaming 7 three pointers siguro hindi namin na-sustain about sa free throws namin. Siguro 19-of-33, 50% pa rin kami dun and then almost ok naman yung numbers siguro nagkulang lang din kami effort yung wala sa stats yun ang tinignan namin eh.”
The Beauty of Needing to Lose Twice
“Siguro babawi nalang kami next game.”
With a smile on his face, the Arellano Chiefs mentor just wanted to win and get their revenge against the offensive driven Knights.
But Coach Manabat explained how having a Twice to Beat advantage can still be in their favor despite losing 1 game in the quarterfinals.
He also shared that in order for the Chiefs to make it to the Final Four, they have to ignite something that isn’t computed by the numbers, that is their “Spirit of Never Giving Up”.
“Siguro yung spirit ng pusong palaban. Ang pinaka maganda dito may chance pa kami dahil twice to beat nga kami and nangyari na na-hindi namin nakuha yung Game 1 punta kami sa Game 2. And mabait pa rin yung panahon sa amin kase mayroon pa kaming at least ilalaban para makuha namin yung goal naming Final Four.”
The Arellano Chiefs will face the Knights one last time this Season 101 today, November 28 at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City later at 2:30 PM.
