JIO Jalalon could do nothing but to apologize and move on from a heartbreaking Northport loss against defending champion Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The 32-year-old guard said he's sorry to the entire Batang Pier team after two botched free throws in the final eight seconds led to a 105-104 setback that stretched the team's losing streak to four games Friday night at the Philsports Arena.
The Bolts were quick to capitalize on the missed freebies as Bong Quinto scored on an undergoal stab off two Northport defenders for the game-winning play.
Northport had one last chance to steal the win, but William Navarro's fadeaway jumper was short at the buzzer.
Jalalon himself couldn't believe he'll missed two from the free throw area with the game on the line.
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"Talagang sobrang hinayang ako kasi nga sanay na ako sa ganung game, tapos ako pa yung nag-mintis ng dalawa," said Jalalon, who's on the verge of tears as he tried to recall the fateful incident.
"Sabi ko nga sa mga teammates ko kasalanan ko kasi nga yun yung gusto ko, kunin yung bola kasi gusto kong ipanalo yung team talaga, tapos yun pa ang crucial namintis ko."
Northport fell to a 1-4 slate, but appeared ready to cut its losing streak when it led 104-99 with 23 seconds to play, ironically on two Jalalon free throws.
But the Batang Pier missed to close out the game as they went 0-of-4 from the foul line the rest of the way, allowing the Bolts to go on a 6-0 run and seal the deal.
"Breaks of the game," was Jalalon's way of consoling himself. "Darating naman talaga yan as a player."
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"Yun lang, move forward tapos bawi na lang next game. Sana ganun ulit yung game namin," he added.
Northport's next game will be on Friday (May 16) against Converge.(RG)
