Jiovani Jalalon leads Arellano. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
National University gave its all, but in the end, it was no match for Jiovani Jalalon.
The scintillating playmaker lit up for the Chiefs and pummeled the Bulldogs in the clutch as Arellano advanced to the 2016 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup Finals with a 94-85 win over NU Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Jalalon showed why he is one of the best amateur guards today and he registered 34 points, six assists, and three rebounds to carry the Chiefs to their first championship appearance in the preseason tourney.
Kent Salado also added 18 markers, six dimes, four steals, and three boards, while Zach Nicholls buried three crucial triples to finish with 11 points and six rebounds.
“We’re very competitive and talagang dependable silang dalawa, ever ready,” said coach Jerry Codinera of his backcourt duo of Jalalon and Salado. “Minsan mag-error but they make up for their mistakes. Leaders
talaga sila.”
With the Bulldogs crawling back and getting to as close as three, 84-81, with 2:54 left, Jalalon took matters into his own hands and scored on three consecutive possessions to put the game away, 90-83, with 1:30 to play.
“Di na kami maka-create ng play namin noong fourth quarter kaya kinuha ko na yung bola and nag-drive na lang ako ng nag-drive,” sald Jalalon.
Despite the Chiefs’ impressive showing, Codinera wants to kees his boys on their toes: “I always tell them to strive for excellence.”
“We have so many things to improve on kasi may mga rookies pa kami na hinahanapan ng performance, pero naga-adjust pa sila sa system. But for us, it’s an opportunity to be part of history.”
Alfred Aroga paced NU with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, while Reggie Morido added 18 markers on a 3-of-5 shooting from threes.
The Scores:
ARELLANO 94 – Jalalon 34, Salado 18, Nicholls 11, Flores 7, Enriquez 6, Gumaru 6, Canete 5, Meca 4, Viloria 3, Holts 0, Cadavis 0, Gupilan 0, Aguilar 0.
NU 85 – Aroga 24, Morido 18, Abatayo 11, Mosqueda 9, Diputado 6, Go 6, Salim 5, Yu 2, Aquino 2, Labing-isa 2, Salem 0, Gallego 0, Cauilan 0, Lastimosa 0.
Quarters: 20-19, 48-39, 67-60, 94-85.