Jalalon shines, leads Team C to top honors in Draft Combine tourney

Jio Jalalon in action during the 2016 PBA Draft Combine. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Jiovani Jalalon towed Team E to a huge 55-51 overtime victory over Team C to rule the 2016 Gatorade PBA Draft Combine mini tournament Thursday at Gatorade Hoops Center in Shaw.

The Arellano spitfire was also named as the Most Valuable Player after firing nine points and the game-clinching assists in extra time to seal the deal for his side.

“Di ko inexpect na makuha namin ito, In-enjoy ko lang din kasi kasama ko dito yung mga dati kong kalaban ko sa D-League,” said Jalalon.

Raymond Jamito paced Team E with 18 points, while Raphael Banal drained a pair of threes in overtime to finish with 15 markers in leading the squad, coached by Mahindra assistant Rob Wainwright, to the championship.

Joseph Eriobu forced overtime as he scored on a putback and drained the free throw at the buzzer to tie the game at 43.

Also part of the winning team were Jovit dela Cruz and Charley Caluya, as they took home the P50,000 cash prize.

Jalalon was elated to help his team win despite only five players suiting up through the course of the tournament.

“Pagod na talaga kami kasi lima lang kami eh. Pero gusto talaga ng mga kasama kong manalo kaya eliminations pa lang, sineryoso na namin,” he said.

Joining Jalalon in the Mythical Team were Mike Tolomia, Reden Celda, Raymond Jamito, and Joseph Eriobu.
Celda paced Team C in the losing effort with 15 points.

The Scores:

First Round:

Team A 30 – Pontejos 8, Grey 8, Robles 6, Habelito 6, Escoto 2, Javelona 0, Duran 0.
Team B 28 – Alolino 9, Luib 5, Daquioag 4, Ibay 4, Ferrer 3, Flores 3, Inigo 0.

Team C 29 – Celda 7, Asuncion 6, Ablaza 5, Belleza 4, Hernandez 4, Javillonar 3.
Team D 25 – McCarthy 9, Koga 5, Javier 4, Pessumal 3, Jeruta 2, Laude 2, Mag-isa 0.

Team E 41 – Jalalon 12, Eriobu 10, Jamito 10, Banal 5, Dela Cruz 4.
Team F 34 – Cruz 9, Pogoy 7, Cueto 5, Ortuoste 4, Ambulodto 4, Saitanan 3, Arambulo 2.

Team G 29 – Tolomia 15, Jumao-as 5, Tamsi 3, Garcia 2, Javillonar 2, Eman 2, Gotladera 0.
Team H 19 – Perez 8, Belo 7, Tayongtong 2, De Guzman 2, Wright 0, Reyes 0, Jamon 0.

Loser’s Bracket:

Team B 43 – Flores 13, Ferrer 11, Alolino 7, Daquioag 7, Ibay 5, Inigo 0, Luib 0.
Team D 39 – Pessumal 14, McCarthy 9, Laude 6, Koga 4, Javier 4, Jeruta 2, Mag-isa 0.

Team F 31 – Pogoy 11, Cruz 8, Ambulodto 4, Ortuoste 3, Arambulo 3, Saitanan 2, Cueto 0.
Team H 29 – Wright 10, Belo 6, Perez 5, Tayongtong 3, Jamon 3, Reyes 2, De Guzman 0.

Semifinals:

Team C 35 – Celda 11, Hernandez 7, Ablaza 6, Javillonar 5, Belleza 4, Asuncion 2.
Team A 32 – Javelona 10, Robles 6, Escoto 5, Duran 4, Grey 3, Pontejos 2 Habelito 2.

Team E 46 – Jamito 14, Eriobu 13, Jalalon 9, Dela Cruz 7, Banal 3.
Team G 45 – Tolomia 21, Jumao-as 7, Tamsi 7, Garcia 6, Gotladera 4, Eman 0.

Finals:

Team E 55 – Jamito 18, Banal 15, Jalalon 9, Eriobu 9, Dela Cruz 4.
Team C 51 – Celda 15, Ablaza 11, Hernandez 8, Asuncion 6, Belleza 6, Javillonar 5.