NCAA: Jalalon rescues Arellano from St. Benilde scare

Arellano University’s star guard Jio Jalalon shone anew in a close win over St. Benilde Tuesday. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Arellano needed a superb fourth quarter to take an 86-82 win over St. Benilde Tuesday in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena.

Jiovani Jalalon was sensational anew, pouring eight of his 20 points in the payoff period, along with nine assists and six rebounds to pace the Chiefs to victory.

“We started out slow, but we know we can’t afford to lose,” said coach Jerry Codinera, as Arellano clung on to the fourth spot with a 7-4 card.

Dioncee Holts added 15 markers and eight boards, while Allen Enriquez registered a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Chiefs.

After the Blazers took a nine-point lead, 56-47, near the end of the third quarter before the Chiefs picked up the slack when it mattered most – overwhelming their opponents with 31 points in the fourth quarter.

CSB got to within three, 82-79 in the last 1:32 courtesy of a Jonathan Grey triple from the top of the arc before Jalalon came to the Arellano’s rescue and was there to stop the uprising with crucial baskets and clutch freebies.

Grey returned to the Blazers, who reeled to their ninth loss in 11 games, after getting a ‘did not play’ status due to a coach’s decision in a blowout loss to defending champion San Beda last Friday.

The graduating Grey led his team with 22 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while JJ Domingo chimed in 16 in the defeat.

The Scores:

ARELLANO 86 – Jalalon 29, Holts 15, Enriquez 14, Salado 12, Nicholls 11, Gumaru 11, Bangga 2, Cadavis 1, Capara 0, Meca 0, De Guzman 0, Zamora 0, Tano 0.

ST. BENILDE 82 – Grey 22, JJ Domingo 16, Saavedra 14, Jonson 13, Nayve 9, Ongteco 5, Fajarito 2, Sta. Maria 1, Deles 0, Castor 0, San Juan 0.

Quarters: 16-22, 38-37, 55-60, 86-82.