Arellano’s main man Jiovani Jalalon. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Not even a hurting ankle could stop Jiovani Jalalon from towing Arellano to the NCAA Season 92 Finals.
“Medyo masakit pa rin pero di ko iniisip eh. Sabi rin ni coach, pwede ko naman ilaro kaya naglaro ako sa scrimmage at naging ok naman,” he said.
READ: Arellano eliminates Mapua to enter NCAA Finals
And just like a man on a mission, Jalalon dominated anew, pouring 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds en route to the Chiefs’ 92-80 victory over Mapua in their Final Four clash.
“Nasa mind ko lang na kailangan naming manalo kasi gusto namin bumalik sa Finals. Ito na ang pagkakataon namin na ipakita sa Arellano community na may talent kami bawat isa,” he said.
READ: Bolick relishes shutting down Jalalon: ‘That’s my motivation’
Jalalon also lauded the support of his frontcourt, especially the twin tower combo of Lervin Flores and Dioncee Holts, as the Chiefs dominated the boards, 60-46.
“Sobrang pasalamat lang ako sa lahat ng big man namin. Nagtulong-tulong sila. Hindi man namin ma-stop si (Allwell) Oraeme, grabe pa rin yung sacrifice nila,” he said.
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Arellano now awaits the victor of the San Beda-Perpetual semifinals series as the championship duel begins next week.