Jio Jalalon was on cloud nine after he and the Star Hotshots were able to edge a fiery NLEX Road Warriors Friday night, 105-103, en route to an immaculate 3-0 card.
“Sobrang saya,” the 24-year-old quipped moments after the tiff, which saw the Road Warriors surge back from a 21-point deficit late in the first half to force a nip-and-tuck affair late in the game.
What made the 5-foot-9 guard happier than anyone else was the fact that it had been him who lifted the Hotshots to the victory, as his right-wing jumper off a Tony Mitchell feed proved to be the game-clincher — his first-ever in his pro career.
“Nakita ko lang ‘yung oras na wala na. Nasuwertehan ba,” described Jalalon in the game’s final sequence — a 19-second stretch that started after NLEX’s Rabeh Al-Hussaini missed his hook shot from the low post.
Asked if he had made a conscious effort to take charge and pull up for the game-clinching basket, the rookie out of Arellano University stated otherwise.
“Wala, wala, wala, kasi si Kuya Paul talaga yung go-to-guy namin eh, siya pag last shot.
“Na-timingan lang siguro na naipasa sakin. At yun, nakita ko na yung oras, tinira ko na lang,” said native of Cagayan de Oro.
Aside from the game-winner, Jalalon finished the game with an all-around performance of 16 markers, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals. But, it was a game that helped teach him and the Hotshots.
“Pero siyempre, meron pa rin kaming mga mistakes — natuto kami dun, sa nag-relax kami,” said the Gilas cadet, pertaining to the moment where the Hotshos blew a 21-point lead late in the second half.
Still, because of Jalalon’s fighting spirit, the Hotshots got the win and now share the second spot along with fellow 3-0 team Alaska Aces. And, Jalalon hopes that they can sustain this run as the import-laden conference rolls on.
“Good start sa’min ito, nakaka-taas ng confidence. Sana tuloy-tuloy na ‘to,” hoped Jalalon.
And with this mindset, it’s safe to say that Jalalon has more buzzer-beaters in his pocket.
