MANILA, Philippines – Jiovani Jalalon bucked foul trouble in the first half, nearly got a triple-double, and did nearly everything possible, but he still could not will Arellano University to a victory over San Beda College.

For the fifth straight time in the NCAA Season 92 tournament, the Red Lions downed the Chiefs, 83-73. But this loss stung more than the rest – it was Game 2 of the Finals, and it ended Arellano's season.

Jalalon and the Chiefs lost all five of their games against San Beda in the NCAA tournament, including both finals games. "The Bus Driver" averaged 20 points, seven rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game in the championship series, but his gaudy numbers were simply not enough.

"Wala kaming sisihin sa amin, kasi maganda ang ipinakita namin ngayon," a subdued Jalalon said after their season-ending defeat. "Nakarating kami sa goal namin, pero hindi namin nakuha 'yung trophy."

"Kumbaga, hindi talaga para sa Arellano ang araw na ito," he said. "Darating rin ang araw na makukuha ng Arellano"

• READ: Red Lions sweep Chiefs in NCAA 92 Finals

Jalalon brought Arellano back from a 10-point deficit in the third quarter, using his tremendous passing skills to find their big men open under the basket, while also assisting on three-pointers by Zach Nichols. In the fourth quarter, he came alive offensively, even draining two three-pointers, the last of which put them up 71-69.

Alas, he and his teammates were shut down in the final three minutes. After Kent Salado made it 73-72 with a breakaway lay-up with 3:07 left, they would not score again.

"Nakikita ko 'yung effort namin, okay," Jalalon said. "Pero may kaunting kulang sa depensa."

"Binigay naman lahat ng coaches," he added. "Sa aming mga players na lang ang pagkukulang."

Jalalon, who was earlier named to the Mythical Team and placed second in the MVP race, has now lost all four Finals games that he has played in, and he won't deny that the defeat hurts.

"Sobrang nakakasama ng loob," he said, "kasi natalo kami."

Yet he still relishes the experience especially as they still achieved their goal ahead of the season of reaching the Finals.

"Ito kasi 'yung pinakamasarap na Finals sa buong buhay ko," he said. "Wala naman kaming sisihan. Hindi lang talaga para sa Arellano."

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