The Star Hotshots were on the verge of breaking their game against the Mahindra Floodbuster wide open during the start of the third frame. With the team holding a 51-35 lead, Jiovani Jalalon was able to gain possession for the Hotshots anew, he blazed through numerous Floodbuster defenders with Tony Mitchell trailing on the break.
And then magic happened.
“Nasa free throw [line] pa lang ako, tinatawag na niya ako,” the 24-year-old floor general reflected of that moment with 21 minutes still left in the game.
“Nakita ko siya kaya binigay ko. Nagulat rin ako sa ginawa niya. Grabe yung ginawa niya. Pang-NBA talaga siya.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qld704JBnBs
Once Jalalon faked out Nico Elorde — Mahindra’s last line of defense during the play — the Cagayan de Oro-native threw a one-handed pass to the 6-foot-6 pogo stick, who suddenly flew to the air and slammed a windmill dunk. The highlight reel finish drew oohs and aahs from the SMART-Araneta Coliseum crowd that was slowly building up while bringing almost the entire Star bench off their seats.
“Sa practice napapakita niya, pero sa actual game, nakakagulat pa rin talaga,” the product of Arellano University, who finished the game with 14 points and three assists, furthered.
And the Hotshots’ collective efforts did not go in vain, as they were able to take a 97-83 win. With the hot streak they are in — and the enjoyment they are showing on the court — the Gilas Pilipinas pool member hopes that the good times continue to roll for the Hotshots.
“Sana magtuluy-tuloy na ‘to. Parating na rin kasi ‘yung mabibigat na games,” he said.
