Ace floor general Jio Jalalon was at it again!
With the game close until late in the third quarter, Jalalon took over the game to lead the Arellano University Chiefs stave off the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags 86-76 late Friday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
Both teams were connecting on all cylinders to open the game with Jeick Fabian leading the charge for the Stags while Dioncee Holts was converting for the Chiefs. After the Stags were able to get the lead after a three-point play conversion by Fabian, a three-pointer by Donald Gumaru and a breakaway layup by Allen Enriquez gave the Chiefs an 18-14 lead. The two teams then exchanged runs with Arellano getting the upper hand to close quarter, capped by a jumper by Enriquez to give Arellano a 26-22 lead to end the first quarter.
With Arellano holding a 28-22 lead early in the second, the squad from CM Recto blitzed the Chiefs defense with a quick 8-0 blast to regain the lead. Bradwyn Guinto’s superb defense and post playmaking paved the way for that run. This rally helped the San Sebastian Stags gain a 36-34 lead to enter halftime.
The opening seven minutes of the third canto seemed like an all-star game as both teams played no defense as the action moved at a fast pace. Guinto and Fabian were converting with jumpshots that gave their team a slight 61-58 edge, the Chiefs pressed hard on defense. Moreover, Jio Jalalon took charge in leading a game-breaking 8-0 run. The Smart Elite ambassador was all over the court in rebounding, assisting, and scoring during that rally. The quarter ended with the Arellano Chiefs leading 67-63.
In the final period, Jalalon continued his masterpiece. With the Stags being able to cut the lead to just three, 71-74, with 4:54 remaining, Jalalon was able find David Ortega for a wide open triple. Ortega again was able to knockdown another one in an 8-0 rally. A long jumper by Dioncee Holts sealed the game for the Chiefs 86-76.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila kanina, this is the last game before we face the big three, Mapua, San Beda and Letran,” said caoch Jerry Condinera. “This was a tough game. Yung mga big man namin physically absent.” The PBA legend was grateful that his wing players stepped up with the rebounding.
Jio Jalalon was again spectacular in gaining a triple-double with 18 points, 10 boards, and 17 assists. He added four steals but also committed 8 turnovers. Donald Gumaru had his best game of the season with 18 points on 8/13 shooting with five boards. On the other end, Smart Elite ambassador Bradwyn Guinto finally broke out of his slump with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks and shot 7/11 from the field. Jeick Fabian added 17 points on 6/11 shooting.
As a team, Arellano surprisingly rebounded well with 44 rebounds. In addition, the Chiefs moved the ball well in assisting on 31 of their 39 made attempts.
The Arellano Chiefs (10-4) will have a tough stretch starting the Mapua Cardinals on Friday, September 18 at 2:00pm while the San Sebastian Stags (3-10) face the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals on Thursday, September 17 at 2:00pm.
The Scores:
AU (86) – Jalalon 18, Gumaru 17, Holts 11, Enriquez 10, Ortega 9, Salado 8, Bangga 6, Cadavis 5, Meca 2, Nicholls 0, Tano 0
SSCR (76) – Guinto 19, Fabian 17, Calisaan 13, Costelo 8, Santos 5, Ortuoste 5, Capobres 4, Pretta 3, Bulanadi 2, Bragais 0, Alvarez 0
Quarters: 26-22, 42-41, 67-63, 86-76.
