Thompson, Jalalon cross paths anew in ‘Christmas Clasico’
Jiovanni Jalalon (left) and Scottie Thompson. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Last time Scottie Thompson and Jiovani Jalalon faced off, magic happened.
Dazzling the collegiate league with their awe-inspiring game, the young studs made history as both notched triple-doubles with Perpetual and Arellano waging war in the NCAA Season 91.
The Jalalon-led Chiefs topped the Thompson-bannered Altas, 84-77, in overtime last September 4, 2015 in what was regarded as one of the best games that season.
Jalalon tallied 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists, while Thompson finished the game with 24 markers, 12 boards, and 11 dimes.
Fast forward a year later. With the two taking their act to the pro league and ushering in the new era of elite guards in the PBA, the best buds cross paths anew and what better way to add another layer to their storied rivalry with a “Manila Clasico” on Christmas Day.
On what could probably be the biggest stage in their young professional careers inside the biggest venue in the country at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, Jalalon takes his streaking Star against Thompson’s powerhouse Ginebra crew on Sunday.
And the two couldn’t wait for this tantalizing face off.
“Siguro maraming matutuwa kasi Manila Clasico eh. Kahit magkaibigan kami ni Scottie, pagdating sa court iba na siguro,” said the Cagayan de Oro-born Jalalon.
Thompson, a Digos native, expressed excitement over facing Jalalon for the first time in the PBA but said, “Kahit anong mangyari, magkaibigan pa rin kami.”
But heading into the match up, both are focused on delivering for their respective teams and not on outsmarting each other.
“Tingin ko nakukuha na namin yung laro namin. Sa akin lang, gagawin ko lang is mag-focus sa depensa ko. Kung ano man ang sabihin ni coach Chito (Victolero), gawin ko lang. Kung magkatapat naman kami ni Scottie, alam ko naman na maglalaro lang kami ng maayos,” said Jalalon.
“Talagang kailangan namin manalo. Yung mga mali namin, kailangan mai-tama namin against sa Star, lalo na sa practice kasi kailangang doon namin yun simulan,” said Thompson.
Star is in the middle of the pack at 3-2, while Ginebra is not far behind at 2-3.
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