After a close first half, Jio Jalalon took charge once again on both ends as the Arellano University Chiefs ran past the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags, 99-81, to go to 2-0 Friday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Jio Jalalon almost notched a triple-double with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and eight steals. He was 12-for-20 from the field and knocked down two triples.
“Una, nag-enjoy kami sa bus dahil may ginawa kami for ABS-CBN. Nag-focus ako kagad pagbaba namin ng bus,” Jalalon shared about his relaxed mood entering the game.
The Chiefs led by 14, 71-57, entering the final frame behind 15 combined points by Jalalon and Kent Salado.
“Yung cause of concern namin was nasa striking distance yung San Sebastian kahit maganda shooting namin,” Arellano head coach Jerry Codinera said. “We deferred to Jio and Kent at maganda pa rin naging result.”
The Stags though tried to attempt a hijack to start the final frame as the Recto cagers went on a 10-2 rally capped by back-to-back triple by Regille Ilagan and Jerick Fabian.
After a quick timeout by Arellano head coach Jerry Codinera, the Chiefs were able to control the tempo of the game once more while San Sebastian committed countless unforced turnovers that gave Arellano a game-high 20 point lead, 99-79, with seconds left in the game.
“Nung first at second nag-relax kami. Nung third nagalit sila coach kaya sabi namin kelangan na namin dumepensa,” Jalalon added. “Dumepensa na kami ng mga guards at nakuha na namin.”
Kent Salado added 17 points, five rebounds, and six dimes in the win while big man Lervin Flores tallied a double-double with 10 points and 13 boards.
For the Stags, Ryan Costelo was the high point man with 15 points. Three other San Sebastian players scored in double-figures with Alvin Capobres adding 14, Michael Calisaan with 12, and Allyn Bulanadi scoring 11.
As a team, the Stags committed a horrid 37 turnovers that led to 43 points for the Chiefs. Moreover, the pace was completely in favor of Arellano as 29 of their points came from the break.
The Arellano Chiefs (2-0) will have a 13 day break before facing the defending champions Letran Knights (1-1) on Thursday, July 13 at 4:00pm. On the other hand, the San Sebastian Stags (1-1) face the Perpetual Altas at 2:00pm on the same day.
The Scores:
AU (99) – Jalalon 31, Salado 17, Holts 16, Flores 10, Enriquez 7, Meca 7, Canete 3, Aguilar 2, Cadavis 2, Gupilan 2, Viloria 2, Alcoriza 0, Gumaru 0, Nicholls 0
SSC-R (81) – Costelo 15, Capobres 14, Calisaan 12, Bulanadi 11, Ilagan 8, Fabian 5, Mercado 5, Serajosef 4, Valdez 4, Johnson 3, Baetiong 0, David 0, Gayosa 0, Miguel 0, Quipse 0
Quarterscores: 26-19, 46-39, 71-57, 99-81
