The Arellano University Chiefs delivered a commanding performance in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on July 7, 2026, dismantling the San Sebastian Stags with a decisive 103–78 victory at the Filoil Flying V Centre. The Chiefs came out firing from the opening tip, establishing an offensive rhythm that the Stags could never quite counter, and extended their dominance through all four quarters to secure a convincing win in this early-season showcase.

Match Overview: Chiefs’ Precision Overpowers Stags

From the very first possession, Arellano looked sharp and cohesive. Their fast-paced attack consistently found gaps in the San Sebastian defense, allowing them to pile up points in transition and in the half-court. The Stags, meanwhile, struggled to find consistent answers at the offensive end, often settling for contested jumpers or turning the ball over against a swarming Chiefs defense. By halftime, Arellano had built a comfortable lead and never looked back, pushing the margin past the 25-point mark in the final period before easing to the final whistle.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

• First-quarter explosion: The Chiefs raced to a 32–18 lead after the opening ten minutes, shooting above 55% from the field and forcing four early turnovers.
• Second-quarter push: San Sebastian managed to trim the deficit briefly behind a couple of three-pointers, but Arellano answered with an 11–2 run to re-establish control and take a 53–37 advantage into the break.
• Third-quarter knockout: The Chiefs opened the second half with a 15–4 burst, pushing the lead to 27 points and effectively ending any hopes of a Stags comeback.
• Bench contributions: Arellano’s reserves contributed 28 points, maintaining the intensity when starters rested and ensuring no let-up in the second half.

Standout Players for Arellano

While the entire Chiefs lineup contributed to the dominant victory, a few individuals stood out. Arellano's starting guard was a constant threat in transition, finishing with a game-high 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, along with 5 assists and 4 steals. The frontcourt pairing also imposed its will, combining for 18 rebounds and 6 blocks to control the paint. Point guard play was crisp throughout, as the team recorded 22 assists against only 10 turnovers, a testament to their unselfish movement and disciplined execution.

San Sebastian’s Bright Spots

Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Stags had moments of resilience. Their leading scorer tallied 18 points, attacking the rim aggressively in the second quarter and knocking down a pair of three-pointers. Another young wing provided energy off the bench with 12 points and 7 rebounds. However, San Sebastian struggled from beyond the arc, converting only 4 of 16 attempts, and were outrebounded 45–32, which made it nearly impossible to build any sustained momentum.

Season Impact and What’s Next

For Arellano University, this blowout victory serves as a strong statement in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. It showcases depth, chemistry, and a clear game plan under pressure. The Chiefs improve their record and will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup. For San Sebastian, the result is a learning experience. Head coach will likely emphasis defensive transition and perimeter shooting in practice, as the Stags aim to bounce back quickly in the preseason grind. With the tournament still in its early stages, both teams have room to grow as they prepare for the main collegiate season ahead.