The Arellano University Chiefs lambasted their antagonists last season, the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 89-69 to notch their fourth straight win Friday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The duo of Lervin Flores and Kent Salado paced the Chiefs in the first three quarters, scoring 12 and 13 points respectively.
“The Bus Driver” Jio Jalalon then placed the finishing touches on the game, scoring 13 points in the final frame. He once again stuffed the stat sheets with 23 points, four rebounds, and seven assists.
Beside the team’s offensive efficiency, it was the defense that clicked for the Jerry Codinera-mentored squad.
“Maganda naman yung defensive adjustment namin kay [Paolo] Pontejos at [Tey] Teodoro, na-limit namin yung touches nila,” the Defensive Minister said. “Yung dalawa kasi they are capable of scoring 20 points a game. Sabi ko, just be ready lang at keep up with their energy.”
Both Pontejos and Teodoro struggled against the Chiefs defense in the first half. The backcourt duo was limited to a combined 2-for-13 shooting during that frame as the Arellano lead balooned to 20 points, 47-27 entering the break.
“Masaya ako sa mga teammates ko kasi yung pinapagawa nila coach na-execute namin,” Jalalon added. “Masaya ako sa ginawa rin nila kasi na-stop nila si Pontejos at Teodoro.”
The Chiefs maintained a double-digit lead all throughout as the Heavy Bombers could not get past the 15 point barrier in the third frame. Furthermore, Arellano did not let up in the final frame, extending the lead further to a game-high 23 points, 87-59, after an and-one play by Jalalon with 2:10 left in the game.
Only one player scored in double-figures for JRU. Abdoul Poutouochi scored 15 points.
As a team, the Heavy Bombers struggled to find the rim, shooting 38 percent from the field and just 61 percent from the stripe.
The Arellano Chiefs finish the first round with 7-2 slate, tied for second with the Perpetual Altas. On the other hand, the Heavy Bombers (3-5) will finish its first round campaign against the San Beda Red Lions (8-0) on Tuesday, August 9 at 2:00pm.
The Scores:
AU (89) – Jalalon 23, Salado 13, Flores 12, Villoria 9, Nicholls 6, Enriquez 6, Holts 5, Meca 4, Cadavis 4, Zamora 4, Gumaru 2, Canete 1, Aguilar 0, Rivera 0, Gupilan 0
JRU (69) – Poutouochi 15, Abdul Wahab 7, Grospe 7, Cruz 7, Evardo 7, Dada 5, Teodoro 4, Pontejos 4, Dela Paz 3, Mendoza 3, Dela Virgen 3, Lasquety 2, Astilla 2, Caballero 0, Salaveria 0
Quarterscores: 20-14, 47-27, 61-44, 89-69
