A wounded Jiovani Jalalon plays on. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Even with Arellano losing to San Beda anew, 91-81, on Friday, Jiovani Jalalon believes that his team is still capable of ending the Red Lions’ 10-season streak as the top seed.
“Sobrang gigil kami. Gusto namin mag-number one,” he said.
Bad shooting crippled the Chiefs in the tiff as they shot a measly 32-percent shooting from the field.
READ: San Beda forces playoff for top seed, clips Arellano
Jalalon, too, wasn’t an exception, as he went for 5-of-23 to finish the game with 14 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
“Di lang pumapasok ang mga tira namin. Sobrang sama. Nanghinayang kaming lahat kasi gusto namin mag-number one,” he said.
Given a few more days lick their wounds and prepare, the Cagayan de Oro native believes that the Chiefs will be ready by Tuesday’s playoff for the number one seed.
READ: Arellano’s ‘third guy’ Gumaru giving Jalalon, Salado a boost
“OK pa naman kami. May game pa sa Tuesday kaya kailangan namin mag-hardwork, pagbutihan ang pag-scout ng players nila especially kay (Javee) Mocon,” he said. “Siguro pagdating sa Tuesday, handa na kami.”
Jalalon also allayed fears about his sprained left foot, saying: “Naapakan ko lang ang paa ni (Ben) Adamos kaya sumakit ng konti. Alalay na lang din kasi alam kong talo na at may game pa sa Tuesday. Yun na ang iniisip ko, yung Tuesday.”
He vowed to perform better on Tuesday and he hopes to see the same from the rest of the Chiefs.
“Kaya ko namang maka-recover. Rest kami bukas para sa Tuesday, handa na kaming lahat.”