Arellano University continue to live up to their lofty billing in the 92nd NCAA seniors basketball tourney, and prized playmaker Jiovani Jalalon, as expected, is at the forefront of the Chiefs’ rampage.
The 5-foot-10 Jalalon proved that anew last week when he led Arellano to a pair of convincing victories, stretching the league’s hottest winning streak to six while staying hot on the heels of pace-setting San Beda College.
As his fellow Chiefs, notably the rejuvenated American center Dioncee Holts, have provided the needed support on both ends, Jalalon remained the biggest driving force, averaging 25.0 points, 7.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in their last two wins which helped them improve to 9-2, just a full game behind the Red Lions (10-1).
“He makes life easier for us,” said the 6-foot-6 Holts about Jalalon, the latest recipient of the ACCEL Quantum/3XVI-NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week honors.
Arguably the finest point guard in the collegiate ranks today, Jalalon showcased his vastly-improved offensive skills in Arellano’s 89-84 win over San Sebastian last August 16, firing away a personal season-high of 33 points, 14 coming from an explosive third-quarter performance that was marred by a head injury scare.
“Matigas rin naman ang ulo niyan ni Jiovani. Kaya alam kong makakabalik rin siya agad,” said Arellano U coach Jerry Codiñera, who was visibly impressed with Jalalon’s fortitude after banging his head on the ring support brace following a tough challenge from San Sebastian’s Jayson David on his lay-up attempt.
Three days later, Jalalon picked up from where he had left off, pumping in a team-high 17 markers while igniting the Chiefs’ swashbuckling start en route to a trouble-free 78-69 win over the free-falling College of Saint Benilde Blazers.
Putting the team above himself, Jalalon was more pleased to see his teammates deliver, and hopes they can sustain it as they make a bid to return to the Final Four, the Chiefs’ immediate goal.
“Masaya ako sa mga teammates ko kasi maganda ‘yung itinatakbo ng team namin.
“Naka-six (straight) wins kami pero hindi pa sapat ‘yun. Marami pa kaming gagawin para mapunta kami sa goal namin,” he said.
Jalalon edged out teammate Holts, San Sebastian’s Alvin Capobres, and San Beda rookie Ben Adamos for the weekly citation given by sports scribes from the country’s broadsheets, tabloids, and online portals covering the league.
