The Arellano University Chiefs achieved a milestone on Friday afternoon.
The Chiefs were able to notch their sixth straight win, the longest winning streak of the school since joining the league back in 2009, after a wire-to-wire win against the College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 78-69, in the NCAA Season 92 Seniors Basketball Tournament.
Jio Jalalon led the Chiefs with 17 points while grabbing five rebounds and five assists. Dioncee Holts added a double-double with 12 points, knocking down two triples, and 12 rebounds.
“First time naka-sixth straight. Malaking bagay yun,” Arellano head coach Jerry Codinera said. “We hope it will fuel yung energy in the coming weeks kasi puro heavyweight ang kalaban.”
Just like in their first round game, the Chiefs immediately surged past the Blazers, leading in double-digits in the first three quarters. The lead grew to as high as 22 points midway through the third frame.
However, the Blazers did not go down without a fight. Behind gunslinger Carlo Young, who scored 12 points in the final frame, CSB were able to cut the lead to eight points, 70-62, with 2:28 remaining in the game.
“Kahit nanalo kami hindi pa rin kami dapat mangampante,” Codinera added. “Yung teams lahat, ready din. Pinahirapan din kami ng Benilde and they fought until the very end.”
Jalalon, together with Kent Salado, was able to close out Blazers, helping the Chiefs regain a double-digit lead before the game ended.
Kent Salado added 11 markers. Codinera was able to play 14 Chiefs in the game.
For the Blazers, Carlo Young was the high-point man with 24 points on 8-for-23 shooting. JJ Domingo added 15 points, while Christian Fajarito scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
The Blazers are in the midst of their worst start in school history.
The Arellano Chiefs (9-2) will have a six day break before facing the dangerous EAC Generals (3-8) on Thursday, August 26 at 4:00pm. The winless Blazers go up against the Perpetual Altas (8-3) on the same day at 2:00pm.
The Scores:
AU (78) – Jalalon 17, Holts 12, Salado 11, Gumaru 7, Nicholls 7, Meca 6, Enriquez 5, Flores 4, Cadavis 4, Aguilar 3, Canete 2, Villoria 0, Rivera 0, Zamora 0
CSB (69) – Young 24, Domingo 15, Fajarito 11, Dixon 7, Haruna 6, Castor 4, Belgica 2, Pasamante 0, San Juan 0, Pajarillaga 0
Quarterscores: 24-14, 45-28, 61-44, 78-69
