Gilas cadet Jiovani  Jalalon blames poor game with Arellano to shoulder injury he suffered in SEA Games

ARELLANO guard Jiovani Jalalon could only rue the right shoulder injury for his bad game in the Chiefs’ 78-61 loss to Jose Rizal University in the opener of the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

Jalalon finished with only four points on 2-of-10 shooting, three rebounds, four assists, and three steals but committed seven turnovers.

He admitted aggravating the shoulder injury he suffered in the 28^th Southeast Asian Games as part of Gilas cadet during the game against the Heavy Bombers.

“Alam kong hindi ako nakatulong sa team namin at saka sumakit bigla yung shoulder ko so bad game ako ngayon. Hindi ko natulungan ‘yung mga teammates ko,” he said after the game.

“Bawi na lang ako next game,” added the national team player.

After a close 19-all game in the first period, the Chiefs were outscored by the Heavy Bombers in the middle quarters, 47-22, for the blowout win.

“Ang sama ng nilaro naming lahat at saka di kami nag-usap usap tungkol sa defense namin,” said Jalalon. “Pero sinabi ng mga coach namin na ganito gawin niyo tapos ‘di rin namin nagawa.”

Although the Chiefs were outrebounded (57-44) and had lesser assists (19-11), they had more steals (11-10) and blocks (7-4) against the Heavy Bombers.