Aljon says sorry, admits poor decisions cost UST title

MANILA, Philippines - Breaking his silence after getting bombarded with harsh criticisms from dejected supporters of University of Santo Tomas, embattled Aljon Mariano apologized for his so-so and erratic performance that proved fatal to the Tigers’ title campaign and vowed to bounce back next season.

In a lengthy message posted on his Twitter account @aljonmariano, the controversial Tiger thanked those who understood and at the same time sought forgiveness from those who felt shortchanged with his showing, particularly in the rubber match for the Season 76 men’s basketball crown that went La Salle’s way.

“Unang una salamat sa mga patuloy na naniniwala at nagdefend sa akin. Sorry dun sa mga na-disappoint ko. naintindihan ko kayo kasi kahit ako, di yun yung inexpect ko na laro ko this season (I’d like to first thank those who continue to believe and defend me and say sorry to those whom I disappointed. I understand how you feel because I myself expected more from my performance this season),” said the veteran.

Mariano has been receiving flak for taking matters into his own hands and shooting the Tigers’ last attempt in the last 6.1 seconds of regulation and for turning the ball over via a wild pass to Kevin Ferrer in overtime that eventually led to the go-ahead jumper of Almond Vosotros.

The 6-foot-3 forward had a forgettable season overall, probably slowed down by a bone spurs injury.

“Buong season, up and down. May mga factors pero ganun talaga nagdesisyon ako maglaro eh. Ndi ako nakapagdeliver at may mga desisyon ako that cost us the championship (It was up and down the entire season for me due to some factors. But that’s the price to pay for continuing to play despite the injury. I couldn’t deliver and my faulty decision-making even cost us the championship),” he said.