Arellano sweeps San Beda in NCAA elims, gains 3rd place tie

Jiovani Jalalon leads Arellano anew against San Beda. photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Arellano pounced on a hapless San Beda, 91-72, to get a share of the third seed in the NCAA season 91 Men’s Basketball Tournament Thursday at San Juan Arena.

Jiovani Jalalon was the man atop the totem pole as he spearheaded Arellano’s 19-4 hunt that paved way for a commanding 73-54 early in the fourth quarter.

Arellano improved to 11-6 in its second victory over the Red Lions this season to share the stacked third seed with Perpetual Help and Jose Rizal University.

San Beda, which bowed to Arellano, 88-84, last August 18, meanwhile, dropped to second with a 12-5 record behind Letran.

Chiefs head coach Jerry Codiñera was proud of his team’s hear despite a two-game losing skid.

“After two big losses against Mapua and Letran, the team looked different,” Codiñera said. “They weren’t disheartened after the losses.”

By the 2:18 mark, the Red Lions pulled their starters off the floor.

Jalalon had a near triple-double as he finished with 25 points, 11 in the first quarter, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals.

Allen Enriquez also finished in double figures with 15 points while Brylle Meca had 11. Dion Holts and Michael Salado added 10 points apiece for Arellano.

Ola Adeogun led the Red Lions with 17 points and seven boards.