Arellano slaughters EAC for second NCAA win

MANILA, Philippines – Last season’s bridesmaid finisher Arellano University proved too much for the untested Emilio Aguinaldo College as the Chiefs effortlessly dismantled the Generals, 92-80, in the men’s basketball tournament of NCAA Season 91 on Tuesday, July 14 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Jiovani Jalalon dazzled with the first triple double of his collegiate career, amassing 12 points along with an incredible 15 assists, 10 rebounds and two steals to steer Arellano into victory no. 2 in the tourney.

“It’s really my aim to reach 15 assists this game, and luckily I did the feat with the help of my teammates,” he said in his post-game interview.

Meanwhile, ace gunslinger Zachary Nicholls had 18 markers and converted 4-of-9 from beyond the arc.

Arellano’s suffocating defense limited the Andy De Guzman-mentored troop by 33 points in the first half and allowed its frontline unit to blaze through the shaded lane with the help of Jalalon and Allen Enriquez, who mustered 11 points, one rebound, one assist and two steals.

Although the Legarda-based squadron was able showcase a stellar performance following two straight sluggish productivities against Jose Rizal University and Lyceum of the Philippines University, head coach Jerry Codiñera complained about the 26 turnovers that his team committed.

“The fluidity of our ball movement was there and the unselfish plays, but we have to limit our turnovers. Twenty-six is not a good number,” the former PBA player stated.

On the other hand, EAC was led by Sidney Onwubere, who hauled 26 markers, 10 boards, two dimes and 5 steals.

Cameroonian reinforcement Adoum Abba Mbang registered 11 points with 5 rebounds, one assist and two steals.

For the past two contests, it became custom for the Generals to spark a fourth-quarter rally as Onwubere started to knock on the door at the 8:04 mark of the fourth period, sinking 12 points in that period alone.

However, Arellano responded to Onwubere’s gallant effort by pulling away with Julius Cadavis’ drive to the basket and Nicholls’ breakaway layup.

Nicholls hammered the final nail in the coffin with another three-pointer and his bullet pass to Nichole Bangga with 58 seconds left in the match.

The disappointing defeat to Arellano sent EAC to a 0-3 standing in the first round of eliminations.

Scores:

AU (92) – Nicholls 18, Jalalon 12, Enriquez 11, Holts 9, Bangga 8, Gumaru 8, Salado 6, Cadavis 6, Meca 4, Tano 4, Ortega 2, Zamora 2, Capara 2, Ongolo 0.

EAC (80) – Onwubere 26, Adoumabba 11, Morada 8, Munsayac 8, Hamadou 7, Mejos 4, Corilla 4, Estacio 4, Pascua 3, Bonleon 3, Pascual 2, Diego 0, Mallari 0.

Quarter scores: 22-14, 51-33, 74-59, 92-80.

– Rappler.com