ARELLANO relied on a virtuoso display from point guard Jio Jalalon to overwhelm Emilio Aguinaldo College, 92-80, yesterday for its second win in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The 22-year-old Jalalon took charge with his terrific playmaking, dishing out 15 assists that went with 12 points and 10 rebounds as the Chiefs coasted to a wire-to-wire victory and improved to 2-1.
San Sebastian later seized its first win by outlasting Jose Rizal U, 91-89, in overtime.
Pint-sized guard Ryan Costelo shone for the Stags, pouring all of his 15 points in the final period and in overtime as the Stags finally broke through after three games.
The Stags rallied from 11 points down in the fourth, forcing overtime when the 5-foot-6 Costelo hit a layup with 32 seconds left.
Costelo opened overtime with three free throws, sparking an early offensive burst that gave the Stags cushion to withstand a late run by the Bombers, who fell to 1-2.
It was the first triple double for Jalalon, whose improved play the past two seasons rewarded him with a spot in the Gilas Cadet team that struck gold in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore last month.
“He has really matured as a player and gives his teammates confidence,” said Arellano mentor Jerry Codiñera, referring to Jalalon.
The scores:
First Game
ARELLANO 92—Nicholls 18, Jalalon 12, Enriquez 11, Holts 9, Bangga 8, Gumaru 8, Salado 6, Cadavis 6, Meca 4, Tano 4, Ortega 2, Zamora 2, Capara 0, Ongolo 0.
EAC 80—Onwubere 26, Adoum Abba 11, Morada 8, Munsayac 8, Hamadou 7, Mejos 4, Corilla 4, Estacio 4, Pascua 3, Bonleon 3, Pascual 2, Diego 0, Mallari 0.
Quarters: 22-14, 51-33, 74-59, 92-80.
Second Game
SAN SEBASTIAN 91—Calisaan 22, Ortuoste 18, Guinto 17, Costelo 15, Fabian 5, Santos 4, Mercado 4, Bulanadi 3, Capobres 2, Bragais 1, Sibal 0, Pretta 0, Vera 0, David 0.
JRU 89—Teodoro 15, Pontejos 14, Dela Paz 12, Grospe 11, Poutouochi 10, Sanchez 6, Estrella 5, Lasquety 4, Balagtas 4, Cruz 3, Dela Virgen 3, Abdulwahab 2, Astilla 0, Aurin 0.
Quarters: 17-20, 34-37, 53-56, 76-76, 91-89