JIO Jalalon vows to play through the pain as Magnolia tries to keep its campaign alive in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Despite a strained left hamstring, the speedy guard assured that he’s going to suit up for the Hotshots come Game 6 of their best-of-seven semifinals on Sunday.
Jalalon sat out the fourth quarter of the team’s 105-97 win on Friday after aggravating the injury which he had nursed as early as the elimination phase.
[See: Magnolia stays alive with Game 5 win over TNT]
“Nandito na kami kaya isasagad ko na ito kung hanggang saan kami makarating,” said the playmaker out of Arellano.
The injury proved to be a dampener for Jalalon, who was playing well for three quarters until going down with the injury.
He finished with 15 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the floor.
Jalalon said he felt the pain during a rebound play against RR Pogoy.
After he was substituted, Jalalon was seen signaling to coach Chito Victolero that he’s ready to go back to the game.
“But I feel if we have a chance today, I need Jio on Sunday. That’s why I didn’t force to play Jio to play in the last quarter,” said the Magnolia mentor.
“Kasi baka lalo lang ma-aggravate yung injury niya, so he has no chance to play on Sunday. So I want to save him.”
Jalalon however, assured his coach he’s ready to play as the Hotshots eye to tie the series with the Tropang Giga still lead, 3-2.
“Laban lang ng laban hanggang sa dulo,” he said. “Tingnan natin. Si Lord na ang bahala.”
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