Hard-Working Flores a Huge Boost to Arellano Frontline

Arellano's Lervin Flores (26). Josh Albelda, ABS-CBN Sports

From News Abs-cbn Website: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/26/16/hard-working-flores-a-huge-boost-to-arellano-frontline 
By Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – University of Perpetual Help's Prince Eze had his way inside the paint in the first half of their game against Arellano University, scoring 10 points and grabbing eight boards against the smaller Chiefs as the Altas took a 46-45 halftime lead.

He would score only two more points in the second half, and though he grabbed seven more rebounds, Eze also committed several errors in a crucial stretch that allowed Arellano to break the game open and claim an 83-78 victory.

Credited with limiting Eze in the second half is Arellano transferee Lervin Flores, who went toe-to-toe with the Nigerian import in the third and fourth periods and more than held his own despite giving up several inches in height.

He blocked Eze twice in the third quarter, and in the final frame, with the Chiefs clinging to a 77-76 lead, Flores snuck from behind to steal the ball from Eze, which led to the dagger three-pointer by Zach Nichols.

"Six-foot-10 pa rin 'yan at ang hirap bantayan," Arellano head coach Jerry Codiñera said of Eze. "But si Lervin, pinahirapan niya talaga. 'Di namin masyado na-limit ang rebounds, but he was there. The crucial rebounds, nakuha ni Lervin."

"Sabi ko sa kanya, kahit 'di masyado sa points, basta sa rebounding and blocking (andoon siya)," he added.

Flores finished with eight points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks in an impressive debut, although he later downplayed his efforts by saying that he was merely doing what was asked of him.

"Sinasabihan ako ng mga coach, tsaka ni Jiovani (Jalalon) na trabaho lang, tsaka rebound. 'Yun lang," he insisted. "Sipag lang ako, rebound lang muna."

For Jalalon, having Flores is a major boost to his confidence as he seeks to lead the Chiefs to the championship in the NCAA Season 92 tournament.

"'Yun nga 'yung iniisip ko lagi habang nagpa-practice din ako, na may rume-rebound naman, 'di tulad nung last year na kailangan talaga, double-overtime ka diyan sa court kasi nga walang tulad ni Lervin na rume-rebound," said Jalalon.

"Kaya parang ngayon, parang ganado ako na umi-score," he added.

Jalalon gave Flores a few words of encouragement at the halftime break, saying: "Sabi ko (sa kanya) huwag mo muna hanapin 'yung score, ako bahala sa 'yo, mapapasahan ka din."

"Sabi niya, sige, gagawin niya ang trabaho niya, kaya ayun – maganda ang depensa niya kay Eze. Nakaka-block siya, nakaka-rebound. Malaking tulong sa akin tsaka kay (Dioncee) Holts," he added.

Asked if he is the missing piece to Arellano's championship puzzle, Flores said: "Sana, sana. Sipag lang talaga ako. Trabaho lang."

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