Bright Akhuetie of Perpetual and Benedict Adamos of San Beda got entangled, at the Filoil arena, San Juan. INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ
IT MAY look effortless at times, the way Arellano guard Jiovani Jalalon wreaks havoc on opposing defenses. Add a streak-shooting Donald Gumaru to the mix and the Chiefs look even more unstoppable.
Sustaining his stellar play, Jalalon exploded for 35 points, while Gumaru fired five treys for a season-high 15 points as the Chiefs pummelled the Mapua Cardinals, 95-82, yesterday to claim a twice-to-beat bonus in the Final Four of the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
San Beda, drawing clutch shots from Davon Potts and AC Soberano, also nailed a similar bonus after turning back Perpetual Help, 84-75, as the Red Lions warmed up for a highly anticipated clash with the Chiefs on Friday.
Potts fired eight of his 15 points in the last two minutes, while Soberano delivered a couple of crucial treys in the stretch as the Lions pulled away from a tight contest late.
San Beda outscored Perpetual Help, 29-17, in the final period, overhauling a three-point deficit at the start of the quarter.
The Altas got 29 points from Bright Akhuetie, but were uncharacteristically sloppy when it mattered as they fell into a maze of turnovers that hastened their sixth loss in 17 games, tying the Cardinals at third spot.
The Chiefs kept the No. 1 spot after improving to 14-3, but the Red Lions can force a playoff for the top seeding with a victory on the final day of the elimination round.
“It’s a big win and also very good for our morale,” said Chiefs coach Jerry Codiñera.
Jalalon also had five rebounds, five assists and five steals, but he gladly deflected credit to Gumaru, the senior, who celebrated his 24th birthday yesterday in style.
“He’s been playing well in the last three games,” said Codiñera, referring to Gumaru.
Earlier, Emilio Aguinaldo College bucked the absence of the suspended Sydney Onwubere and the injured Francis Munsayac as the Generals sent the St. Benilde Blazers to a league-record 17th loss with a 65-62 nipping.