Jiovani Jalalon versus Scottie Thompson. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Earl Scottie Thompson and Jiovani Jalalon have developed quite a bond since breaking out in the collegiate basketball scene last year.
The playmakers, who saw action as Gilas cadets in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, have been conquering the the NCAA this season with their stupendous performances to lead their respective teams in their Final Four hunts.
And on Friday, with Perpetual facing off Arellano, the set was stage for a duel of a lifetime.
READ: NCAA: Jalalon outshines Thompson in Arellano win over Perpetual
Four quarters of basketball weren’t not enough as it needed five more minutes to settle the score.
With everyone’s eyes on them both, Jalalon and Thompson passed with flying colors as with triple-doubles each to lead their squads in a nip-and-tuck battle from the get-go.
Jalalon finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists—his second triple-double of the season—to lead the Chiefs to an 84-77 overtime thriller over the Altas.
Thompson, meanwhile, tallied his fifth triple-double of the season with 24 markers, 12 boards, and 11 dimes.
READ: WATCH: Get to know Perpetual’s Scottie Thompson in 7 questions
After a brilliant display of talents from both sides, the two shared a moment on the court.
Jalalon admitted that he is always thrilled whenever he faced off against his fellow Mindanaoan.
“Na-challenge ako kasi sya aakyat na sa PBA at ako may isang year pa,” said the Cagayan de Oro native.
READ: Cone says Ginebra pick Thompson could be next Caguioa, Helterbrand
(I was challenged because he’s going to the PBA already and I still have another year.)
Thompson, meanwhile, is just happy to go toe-to-toe with Jalalon in the overtime classic.
“Parehas lang naming gustong manalo. Nagtrabaho kami para sa mga team namin pero mas gutom sila para sa panalo nung huli,” he said.
(We both want to win. We worked hard for our teams but in the end, it was them who were hungrier for the victory.)