Alaska Aces head coach Alex Compton brought up a few names in the post-game press conference of the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals’ Game Four Wednesday night, including Jio Jalalon – but for all the wrong reasons.
“We have an officiating crew that perhaps didn’t see it, and I understand that. They can’t see everything. But Jio punched us,” a seething Compton asserted after their 90-76 win.
“At what point is that gonna get called, I don’t know.”
Jalalon denied the allegation.
“No. Hindi ako nanununtok.
“Nasa technique kasi eh, pinepressure nila kami eh. Siguro natutulak lang pero hindi,” said Jalalon, who had seven points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the loss that ties the series at 2-2.
For Jalalon, he would never do such a thing, because he has learned his lessons from the past – referring to the infamous brawl between Gilas Pilipinas and Australia back in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers last July.
“Alam naman natin na may nangyari na sa akin nung nakaraan sa Gilas. So wala na yun, nag-move on na ako, so umiiwas na talaga ako sa ganun,” said the 26-year-old.
“Hindi ko na gagawin ulit yun sa buong buhay ko yun.”
As for the physicality, Jalalon said that it’s all part of the game, especially now that the stakes are higher.
“Siguro darating talaga yun, kasi Finals. Sa’kin sino bang magpapatalo sa ganitong laro ‘di ba?” said the former Arellano Chief, who’s now in his second PBA Finals stint. “Hindi naman kami nananakit.
“Laro lang.”
But if ever they did something wrong, Jalalon apologizes for it.
“Kung may nagawa kaming mali talaga sa court, sorry,” said the Cagayan De Oro-native.
“Sorry. Sorry coach, kung ganun man yung pag-[tingin] niya sa’min. Wala akong magagawa kung ano yung reaction niya dun.”
