Magnolia Hotshots point guard Jio Jalalon admitted that he had been the one to instigate an altercation with the San Miguel Beermen’s Arwind Santos in the closing moments of the 2018 Philippine Cup Finals’ Game Two, Sunday night.
The sophomore and the 12-year league veteran, who is six inches taller than him, were seen exchanging sweet nothings on the court with 2:32 left in the game. Their teammates were able to restrain them, and both were slapped with technical fouls.
“Ako talaga yung unang lumapit, tinulak lang niya ako,” said the 25-year-old floor general.
“Nang-iinis lang ako. Nagbabakasakali lang ako.”
Jalalon’s efforts to try to get in Santos’ head, however, were put to naught as he and the Hotshots bowed to the defending, three-time All-Filipino champions, 77-92, sending the series to a 1-1 deadlock.
“Siyempre, alam ko na din na lamang na so nang-iinis na lang ako,” he added.
Jalalon himself didn’t have much production, as he only had six points, three assists, and three steals. And probably the reason behind this was his foul trouble — he already had four fouls in the first half alone.
But the Arellano University product did his best to help the team, especially in the final frame, aiding the Hotshots to melt down a 21-point deficit — just like in Game One last Friday — and inch within striking distance, 68-75.
However, they weren’t able to replicate their Game One magic, as the Beermen found ways through a 10-0 run — sparked by Santos’ triple — to seal the victory. And for Jalalon, he and Magnolia had learned a very tough lesson this time.
“Yun nga yung sabi sa amin ni coach Chito [Victolero] kanina, hindi palaging ganoon, na sa fourth lang tayo maglalaro ng maayos,” said the Cagayan de Oro native. “Kailangan talaga first, second, third, [trabahuhin] na namin.
“Kasi sayang, sayang yung game na yung palitan ng score, tapos lalamang sila ng bente, hahabulin namin. Hindi naman kami superhero siguro para magawa namin ulit yun.”
