Chiefs target 3rd straight vs Pirates

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano University hopes to ride again on Jio Jalalon’s hot hands as it shoots for a third straight victory and solo third against Lyceum today in the 91st NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City. 

Jalalon sizzled with 32 points and went on to post his second triple-double in the season – 15 assists and 10 rebounds – to power the Chiefs to an 84-77 overtime win over the Perpetual Help Altas last Friday.

That should make Jalalon the marked man for the struggling Pirates in their 4 p.m. clash although Arellano coach Jerry Codiñera hopes to draw the best not only from his top player but also from the rest of the squad, particularly his role players.

“If Jio can play like that every game and our role players play their roles, we’ll be okay,” said Codinera, eager to chalk up their ninth win against four losses.

But the Pirates, in joint seventh with the San Sebastian Stags and St. Benilde Blazers at 3-9, remain a tough rival for the Chiefs, who struggled before escaping with an 80-78 victory in their first round clash last July 3.

“Lyceum is stronger than its (3-9) win-loss record, it would be a mistake to under-estimate them,” said Codiñera.

One thing that could go Lyceum’s way is that top gun Joseph Gabayni is expected to show up following a school-imposed two-game suspension with support to come from Cameroonian Jean Victor Nguidjol, who has been dishing out double-double games.

Meanwhile, Mapua and Jose Rizal U, tied at No. 5 with 6-5 cards, collide at 2 p.m. with the Cardinals seeking to stretch their win run to three, including an 87-78 triumph over the San Sebastian Stags last week.

In contrast, the Bombers are out to bounce back from a 75-83 defeat to the San Beda Red Lions last Thursday.