Chiefs survive Altas; Stags up

Kent Salado, left, and Jio Jalalon led Arellano University over Perpetual Help. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

FIRST-GAME jitters hit the preseason favorite Arellano University Chiefs.

At least that’s what Arellano coach Jerry Codiñera thought after the Chiefs hacked out an 83-78 win Sunday over a Perpetual Help side that played minus its star in the 92nd NCAA men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

“It was a tough first win,” said Codiñera. “Everyone played tight.”

Jio Jalalon, Kent Salado and rookie Lervin Flores helped the Chiefs shatter a 73-73 tie in the last four minutes against a resilient Altas, who kept the game close even without big man Bright Akhuetie.

“They played well even without Bright,” Codiñera said of the Altas, who surprisingly led at 54-45 even as the Nigerian sat out the game due to a knee injury.

San Sebastian also had to toughen up in the final stretch to get past St. Benilde, 54-49, in the second game.

“My team right now is still learning how to win,” said new Stags coach Egay Macaraya.

Jerick Fabian topscored with 12 points and Michael Calisaan—who missed several preseason games due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident—helped the Stags stay afloat in the closing minutes by dropping six of his eight points in the fourth quarter.

Emilio Aguinaldo College also joined the opening-weekend winners after the Generals downed Lyceum, 64-57, in the nightcap.

Returning EAC guard Jorem Morada unloaded all his 14 points in the fourth quarter, highlighted by two triples sandwiching three free throws that turned a slim 54-52 edge into a 63-57 cushion inside the last two minutes.

Jalalon, arguably the best point guard in amateur play, powered the Chiefs with 25 points, nine boards, three assists and a couple of steals.

Salado added 14 points, including two crucial baskets in a 10-3 windup in the last four minutes that helped the Chiefs pull away.

The scores:

First Game

ARELLANO 83—Jalalon 25, Salado 14, Holts 9, Flores 8, Canete 6, Gumaru 6, Nichols 6, Alcoriza 2, Cadavis 2, Gupilan 2, Meca 2, Enriquez 1, Aguilar 0, Villoria 0.

PERPETUAL 78—Dagangon 17, Dizon 12, Eze 12, Pido 8, Singontiko 8, Cabiltes 6, Hao 6, Sadiwa 5, Gallardo 4, Coronel 0.

Quarters: 25-24, 45-46, 64-64, 83-78

Second Game

SSC 54—Fabian 12, Calisaan 8, Ilagan 8, Capobres 5, Valdez 5, Baetiong 4, Bulunadi 4, Costelo 2, David 2, Serajosef 2, Gayosa 1, Johnson 1, Mercado 0, Miguel 0, Quipse 0.

ST. BENILDE 49—Domingo Jj. 10, Saavedra 9, Fajarito 8, Young 8, Leutchei 3, Dixon 2, Belgica 1, Pasamante 1, San Juan 1, Castor 0, Domingo Js. 0, Pajarillaga 0, Pili 0, Sta. Maria 0.

Quarters: 17-13, 31-19, 42-30, 54-49

Third Game

EAC 64—Laminou 16, King 15, Morada 14, Munsayac 10, Onwubere 5, Pascua 2, Aguas 2, Corilla 0, Guzman 0, Mendoza 0, Diego 0, General 0, Serrano 0, Estacio 0.

LYCEUM 57—Baltazar 19, Nzeusseu 14, Alanes 8, Bulawan 4, Caduyac 4, Marata 4, Ayaay 2, Serafico 2, Malabanan 0, Alban 0.

Quarters: 19-9, 32-21, 39-36, 64-57