Arellano eliminates Mapua to enter NCAA Finals

Jio Jalalon tows Arellano anew. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Arellano thwarted Mapua’s late fightback, 92-80, to book the first Finals ticket in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Jiovani Jalalon hammered the nail in the coffin, scoring eight of the Chiefs’ last 11 points to tow his team back into the finale.

“It’s 0-0 na sa lahat. Whoever is prepared, kung sino ang ready at makakapag-adjust agad, yun ang malaki ang chance manalo,” said coach Jerry Codinera, as Arellano steps back into the Finals after two season.

The Chiefs now await the victor of the San Beda-Perpetual series for their best-of-3 championship duel.

Lervin Flores also got 22 markers, 10 boards, and three blocks, while Kent Salado had 13 points, nine rebounds, and three dimes.

Darell Menina nailed a three to close the gap to six, 76-70, with 5:29 to go, but a three from Zach Nicholls and Jalalon’s hot streak eliminated the Cardinals’ campaign this season.

Allwell Oraeme paced Mapua with 20 points, 24 rebounds, and four blocks, while Andoy Estrella bowed out of his collegiate career with 15 markers, six assists, and four boards.

The Scores

ARELLANO 92 – Jalalon 22, Flores 22, Salado 13, Gumaru 10, Meca 5, Nicholls 5, Cadavis 4, Villoria 4, Holts 3, Enriquez 2, Aguilar 2, Gupilan 0.
MAPUA 80 – Oraeme 20, Estrella 15, Isit 14, Eriobu 11, Raflores 7, Menina 6, Orquina 4, Victoria 2, Biteng 0, Bunag 0, Aguirre 0.

Quarters: 27-18, 49-42, 69-57, 92-80.