JIO JALALON'S 12 REBOUNDS HIGHLIGHT CAREER GAME FOR NEW TEAM TNT

MONTALBAN, Rizal – The smallest man on the court had the most rebounds during Friday’s game between TNT and Terrafirma.

Jio Jalalon stood tall for the Tropang 5G when the 5-foot-9 guard hauled down 12 rebounds in the Tropang 5G’s 109-95 win over the Dyip in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup game at the Ynares Center II.

READ TNT needed overtime, vintage Kelly to beat fighting Terrafirma

Jalalon’s output in only his sixth game in a TNT uniform tied his career high that he previously set twice, the most recent of last June 16, 2019 when he was still with Magnolia against Columbian, according to PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon.

"’Yung energy ko, ‘yun lang ang pinanghahawakan ko," said Jalalon, when asked about his rebounding total. "Maliit ako, ‘yun lang ang kaya kong kakayahan."

It wasn’t the sole reason why the night was memorable for the former Arellano guard.

Jalalon also reached a career milestone when he notched the 500th steal of his career against Terrafirma. According to Mangonon, he became the 36th player – eighth among active players – to reach that mark when he took away the possession from Louie Sangalang during the 8:24 mark of the fourth quarter.

When told that he also reached 500 steals in his career, Jalalon was both surprised and thankful.

"That’s a bonus for me," said Jalalon. "Salamat sa Lord na binigyan niya ako ng ganitong award. Thankful ako na nakakalaro ako ng maayos dito sa TNT. Basta tatrabaho lang ako ng maayos dito. Hindi ko pabababayaan."

More importantly, Jalalon’s efforts helped TNT overhaul a 16-point deficit against the Dyip. The 500th steal of Jalalon's career actually led to a basket by RR Pogoy that gave his team the lead for the first time after a long comeback, 78-77.

At the end of the game, Jalalon also produced eight assists and two steals, while quietly scoring seven in the match.

"Gusto ko lang magbigay ng energy sa mga teammates ko, para mahawa sila. Nagkakataon na nakabalik kami. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord kasi ‘yun yung binigay niya sa akin na role na ganito na for energy sa team," said the 33-year-old Jalalon.

"Siguro mayroong purpose kung bakit ako nilagay ni coach Chot sa third group kasi parang walang energy ‘yung mga teammates ko so ready lang ako always."

2025-11-07T14:15:11Z