NCAA: Arellano survives Mapua in OT

JIOVANI Jalalon of Arellano INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Arellano slipped past a gritty Mapua in overtime, taking a 100-96 overtime victory on Friday in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena.

Despite coming off the bench, Jiovani Jalalon still made the biggest mark for the Chiefs, recording another masterful performance with 26 markers, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals.

Dioncee Holts also had his way this game, finally breaking his scoring funk with 25 markers, five coming in the overtime period, and hauled in 12 boards to lift Arellano to a 3-1 lead.

“I know Mapua is a big test for the team. I’m just happy that our second group withstood the pressure and we survived this game,” said coach Jerry Codinera.

Zach Nicholls had 16 points powered by five treys, as rookie Michael Salado chipped in five of his 12 markers in overtime, on top of six assists, five boards, and four steals.

With the game tied at 89 with three minutes to play in the overtime period, Holts and Salado captained a 7-0 run and kept the Cardinals at bay until the final buzzer.

Allwell Oraeme led Mapua (1-3) with 18 points, 17 rebounds and three steals while Josan Nimes added 17 markers.

The scores

ARELLANO 100—Jalalon 26, Holts 25, Nicholls 16, Salado 12, Bangga 5, Gumaru 5, Cadavis 4, Tano 3, Meca 2, Enriquez 2, Ortega 0, de Guzman 0

MAPUA 96—Oraeme 18, Nimes 17, Isit 13, Raflores 12, Biteng 12, Nieles 9, Stevens 5, Serrano 4, Menina 4, Aguirre 2, Villasenor 0, Que 4, Brana 0, Layug 0, dela Rosa 0

Quarters: 20-20 36-38, 64-66, 84-84, 100-96