By Patrick Sutare
SAN JUAN, MM–Jiovani Jalalon and Kent Salado led the way as the Arellano Chiefs subdued the College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 70-59, to punctuate the Friday triple-header of the NCAA Season 92 at the FilOil Flying V Center.
The dynamic duo filled up the stats sheet with Jalalon flirting with a triple-double of 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists and Salado adding 11 points and five boards. Both also combined for six steals.
The Chiefs fired a roaring start after scoring 13 straight points while holding their foes scoreless in the first seven minutes of the game.
They led by as much as 19 in the early goings, 25-6, and never surrendered the advantage since.
The Blazers made strides to end the half, cutting the gap to 12, 30-18.
But Coach Jerry Codinera and his men warded off a possible comeback, keeping the Taft-based squad at bay through their poised transition attacks and outside shooting.
Jalalon steered the Chiefs to its largest lead of 22 after blasting a run, 58-36, and took the life out of the the Blazers.
The win improved Arellano's record to five wins against two defeats, situating them in a four-way logjam with Letran, Mapua and Perpetual Help for second place just under the undefeated San Beda.
Christian Fajarito logged in 20 points and 12 rebounds for CSB, which stayed winless after eight games.
Box Scores:
Arellano 70-Jalalon 16, Nicholls 14, Salado 11, Cadavis 8, Viloria 6, Holts 6, Flores 4, Gumaru 3, Meca 2, Enriquez 0, Zamora 0, Canete 0, Gupilan 0 Aguilar 0
CSB 59-Fajarito 20, Belgica 12, Haruna 9, San Juan 8, Pajarillaga 4, Dixon 2, Castor 2, Sta. Maria 2, Pasamante 0, Young 0, JS Domingo 0, JJ Domingo 0
Quarterscores: 16-4, 30-18, 60-40, 70-59
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