Jiovani Jalalon made his parents’ trip to Manila worth it.
With the Arellano University Chiefs down 67-64 against the Lyceum Pirates, the Cagayan de Oro-native delivered one of the most clutch performance for the season.
“Nakakatakot. Yung Lyceum bumabalik. Kala ko nga talo na kami,” the 24 year old floor general shared.
Arellano’s High Chief scored 11 of the last 15 points of the Chiefs to help Arellano gain the top spot in the standings.
“Sabi ko nga kay coach nung gumagawa na plays, sa akin na lang,” Jalalon shared. “Alam ko naman mismatch si Ayaay, pinapatira niya ako ng three-points kaya kung nag-dridrive ako, umaatras siya, buti na lang nashoo-shoot naman.”
More than not wanting to let his team suffer back-to-back losses, the Gilas Cadet did not want to disappoint his parents Vicente and Jocelyn Jalalon, who were in attendance for the first time this season.
“Happy ako kasi nandito yung magulang ko. Yun, talagang ginalingan ko para sa kanila,” Jalalon, who finished the game with 33 points, said.
“Para sa kanila yun kasi minsan lang sila makanood dito e.”
With the win over Lyceum virtually sealing Arellano’s place in the Final Four, the Bus Driver is hoping that his family could witness him live to further inspire him.
“Yes, babalik sila,” he closed.
“Manonood sila para ma-inspire ako.”