Arellano’s Jiovanni Jalalon dazzles against San Beda. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Jiovani Jalalon was not short of motivation when Arellano faced off against finals tormentor San Beda.
Exploding for 22 points on a 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc on top of eight assists, six rebounds, and four steals, the Gilas cadet paced the Chiefs to an 88-84 conquest over the Red Lions to claim solo fourth at 6-3.
READ: Behind solid payoff period, Arellano exacts revenge on San Beda
But there was something more about Jalalon’s great game on Tuesday.
For the first time in his collegiate career, Jiovani’s younger brother Jericho Cyril witnessed him dazzle on the floor, effortlessly towing Arellano to the win.
“Andito sya kasi gusto ko sanang pag-aralin ng high school sa Arellano,” said the Cagayan de Oro native on his 12-year-old brother.
(He’s here because I would like him to study in Arellano for high school.)
With his brother seated beside his girlfriend behind the Arellano bench, Jiovani hoped that his play would inspire his brother to dream, just like he did when he burst into the basketball scene last season.
READ: Thompson leads Team East, Cruz backs Team West in NCAA All-Star
“Pag lumaki yun, sana maisip nya na ganito yung laban sa NCAA at kung paano lumaro yung kuya nya. Sana idolohin nya rin ako, na maging Jiovani Jalalon din sya.
(When he grows up, I wish he thinks of the game here in NCAA and how hos brother played the game. I hope he idolizes me and be just like me.)
One thing’s for sure, though, Jericho Cyril was more than proud to be the brother of one Jiovani Jalalon. CFC