JRU repeats vs SBC; Arellano takes No. 1

Jio Jalalon fired 15 of his 33 points in the last quarter as Arellano U repulsed Lyceum of the Philippines U, 78- 75, to grab the solo lead as Jose Rizal U clobbered San Beda, 97-88, in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Jalalon dished out another explosive performance but saved his best for last to finish with 33 points and help carry the Chiefs past a toughdefending Pirates side to bolster their Final Four drive with an 11-3 mark.

The Bombers likewise boosted their semis bid with a dominating win over the skidding Lions, who yielded the top spot after absorbing their fourth loss against 11 victories.

Teytey Teodoro sizzled with a game-high 28 points while diminutive Mark dela Virgen played big and hit a career-best 20 points as the Bombers notched their ninth win against six defeats.

JRU also dealt San Beda its first loss in the first round via a 79- 73 stunner.

In the third game, defending champion Letran turned back Perpetual Help, 69-63, to stay in the Final Four race with an 8-7 card.

The Altas remained at No. 3 with a 10-4 record.

Jayvee Mocon shot 26 points but the Lions still fell short as they continued to struggle without Donald Tankoua, out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL.

Without the 6-6 Tankoua, San Beda lost three of its last five games.

The Bombers’ win also came after the NCAA Management Committee chaired by Jose Mari Lacson of host San Beda denied JRU’s protest, seeking a replay of its 60-63 defeat to Emilio Aguinaldo College last Aug. 30.

The Bombers argued that there was still two-tenths of a second left when EAC’s Remy Morada fouled Teodoro when the latter took a threepoint shot.

But after a series of video reviews, the referees decided the foul came after the time expired, thus nullifying Morada’s foul.