Jio Jalalon-powered Arellano Drops Upset Ax on San Beda

From FoxsportsAsia Website: http://www.foxsportsasia.com/basketball/news/detail/item353322/jio-jalalon-powered-arellano-drops-upset-ax-san-beda/ 

Shifty playmaker Jio Jalalon made sure it will happen after starring for the Arellano Chiefs’ improbable comeback to dethrone San Beda Red Lions, 86-79, in an intense quarterfinal showdown in the FilOil Flying V Centre on Tuesday.

Playing his finest all-around game so far, Jalalon flirted with a triple-double performance of 20 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists while adding 5 steals to lead the Chiefs’ march towards the semifinals.

“Naisip ko baka ito na yung time namin na magpakita sa ibang teams,” said Jalalon, who credited all the off-season tournaments they participated this summer for their newfound chemistry in the court.

Challenged by San Beda’s backcourt duo of Dan Sara and AC Soberano, the Gilas Cadet guard took over down the stretch highlighted by his 2 sweet dimes to big man Dioncee Holts for four quick inside points before Zach Nichols knocked down two big triples that proved to be the decisive run in the game.

Holts and Nichols both finished with 16 points to backstop Jalalon and stave off the defending champion.

Arellano also cut San Beda’s straight Final Four appearance in the league.

Chiefs’ head coach Jerry Cordinera, though, downplayed the game as a statement win over the Red Lions as the new NCAA season nears.

“Ang hirap kasi naghahabol lang kami, we were trailing, wala namang dominating run sa game,” said the former PBA player. – By Jason Mercene

Follow this writer on Twitter: @JasonMercenePH