Arellano stays on top, pushes Letran on the brink of elimination

Jio Jalalon. File photo

Arellano compounded defending champion Letran’s woes with an 83-74 win Friday in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The win kept the Chiefs on top with a 12-3 card, clinching a Final Four seat in the process as they won thee nine of their last 10 games.

It was also a sorry loss for Letran which, at 8-8, is in danger of missing the playoffs.

Jiovani Jalalon scattered 22 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists to lead Arellano in the wire-to-wire win.

Kent Salado also chipped in 12 markers and nine boards, while Donald Gumaru had 10.

“Grabe ang effort. Walang game na hindi close fight, pero ang laking relief sa amin na nakuha na namin yung Final Four,” said coach Jerry Codinera, as the Chiefs set the tone early and even led by as much as 20.

With its seat already secured, Arellano is now shifting its focus on snaring one of the top two spots.

“Importante sa amin how will you maintain yung positive energy kasi naka-Final Four na kami,” he said. “I-try naman namin makakuha sa top two.”

Rey Nambatac paced the Knights with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Jom Sollano got a double-double of 15 markers and 12 boards in the loss.

The Scores:

ARELLANO 83 – Jalalon 22, Salado 12, Gumaru 10, Cadavis 8, Holts 8, Nicholls 8, Meca 7, Flores 6, Villoria 2, Aguilar 0, Enriquez 0, Gupilan 0.
LETRAN 74  – Nambatac 28, Sollano 15, Quinto 10, Balanza 9, Calvo 7, Luib 3, Apreku 2, Ambohot 0, Balagasay 0, Bernabe 0, Dela Pena 0.

Quarters: 20-10, 45-30, 65-53, 83-75.