MANILA, Philippines -- Jiovani Jalalon got his numbers, but the Arellano University guard's performance against Colegio de San Juan de Letran was still well below his usual standards as he ran out of gas in the fourth quarter and was stymied by the Knights' pressure defense.

Defended well by the pair of McJour Luib and Rey Nambatac, Jalalon bricked 14 of his 20 attempts from the field, and scored only two points in the final quarter.

He still had 11 assists, but unlike in previous contests, he was unable to will Arellano to victory as they bowed to the defending champions, 79-89.

READ: Jalalon now 0-3 against Nambatac, Letran since last season

Afterwards, Jalalon admitted that exhaustion and pressure had caught up to him, and he was unable to power through unlike in their last two games.

"Na-pressure na rin ako noong fourth, noong lumamang sila ng six, eight (points)," Jalalon said after the contest.

It was primarily through Jalalon's efforts that the Chiefs were able to enter the fourth period down by just one point, 61-62, but the Knights opened the final frame with a 10-2 run.

Arellano came to within two points, 69-71, after Jalalon assisted on a Zach Nicholls triple, but Letran pulled away again en route to victory.

Jalalon tried his best to will Arellano back in the game, repeatedly attacking the basket, but was flustered by the defense of the Knights. "Hindi ako maka-create ng maayos," he admitted. "'Pag da-drive ako, may help defense agad."

Ultimately, it was his own exhaustion that prevented Jalalon from towing the Chiefs to a comeback.

"Noong huli, na-feel ko na 'yung pressure, pagod," he said. "Mali rin siguro ng mga coaches na hindi nila ako nilabas."

"Humihingi na ako ng kapalit noong fourth," he revealed. "Kaso sabi ni (Kent) Salado, 'huwag na, baka lalo tayong matambakan.' Kaya pinipilit ko na talaga ang sarili ko."

The past six months has been a difficult, tiring stretch for Jalalon, who barely took a break after the NCAA Season 91 men's basketball tournament. He competed in the PBA D-League, and suited up for the Gilas Cadets when they played in the SEABA Cup.

The Chiefs also had a busy preseason schedule, playing in numerous provincial tournaments aside from the FilOil and Fr. Martin Cups.

It does not get any easier for Jalalon and his team. They are set to take on the unbeaten Mapua Institute of Technology and San Beda College teams in their next two contests, a brutal stretch that will have an impact on their Final Four chances this year.

Still, Jalalon said they have no choice but to fight on.

"Tuesday, may laro kami against Mapua. Babawi kami diyan," said Jalalon of the Cardinals, who eliminated them from Final Four contention in Season 91. "Kailangan namin."

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