Joivani Jalalon. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Jio Jalalon took over late and Arellano needed every bit of its star guard’s efforts down the stretch to survive Emilio Aguinaldo College, 98-90, in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at the Arena in San Juan.
Jalalon recorded his fourth triple-double of the season with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
The 22-year-old capped off another sterling performance by scoring the Chiefs’ last 13 points in the final 5:30 of the game.
“I got nervous when our lead was cut to three and I told myself we could lose this game and our chance to make the Final Four,” Jalalon told reporters. “So we went back to playing defense and was able to get back our game in the end.”
The Chiefs took a 70-50 buffer before the Generals threatened, pulling to within three twice with the last time at 93-90 with 55.8 seconds left after a Sidney Onwubere layup on a setup job by Francis Munsayac.
Jalalon missed two free throws in the ensuing play but the Chiefs got the break that they needed after a crucial double lane violation was called and the possession stayed with Arellano.
The Chiefs cushioned their edge to five, 95-90, on a runner by Jalalon, who then hit a free throw and scored off the Generals’ 20th turnover to clinch the victory.
Arellano secured a playoff for a Final Four spot after ending their campaign in the elimination round with a 12-6 slate.
“It’s a big achievement for the school because I think it has never happened before that Arellano was able to win 10 plus games in successive seasons,” said Arellano head coach Jerry Codiñera. “I’m thankful to be part of history.”
Hamadou Laminou led the Generals, who slipped to 2-15, with 20 points and 23 rebounds. Munsayac added 15 points, including a triple that moved his team to within three, 89-86, with 3:38 remaining.