PBA: Magnolia wins third straight as Jio Jalalon flirts with triple-double

Magnolia kept Jio Jalalon in the PBA Governor’s Cup. – PBA PICTURES

MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia continued its climb in the team standings with Jio Jalalon scoring a triple-double and beating NLEX, 119-103, in the PBA Governor’s Cup on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jalalon had 17 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists, his play on both ends sparking the Hotshots’ rally from a two-run deficit and claiming their third straight victory after a worrisome 0-3 start for a team considered a perennial contender.

Import Antonio Hester had 37 points and 15 rebounds while Paul Lee added 18 points including a role containing NLEX reinforcement Wayne Selden.

“We did a good job of adjusting our defense and we emphasized getting up to speed and getting into a rhythm in the second half,” Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said.

Selden had 25 points in his second game since being assigned to replace Jonathon Simmons, but NLEX suffered its second straight loss after a 4-0 start.

Rookie Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser added 20 points, seven rebounds and three blocks for NLEX.

A weak NLEX side was missing Mike Miranda and Sean Anthony due to injuries, though that didn’t stop the Road Warriors from taking a 66-55 lead in the third game.

But Jalalon’s play, despite a sore leg for the second consecutive game, enabled Magnolia to come back late in the same period, before pulling away in the fourth with Hester scoring 16 in the stretch.

Score:

MAGNOLIA 119 – Hester 37, Lee 18, Jalalon 17, Barroca 13, Dionisio 13, Abueva 10, Corpuz 4, Escoto 4, Dela Rosa 3, Ahanmisi 0, Reavis 0, Wong 0, Laput 0.

NLEX 103 — Selden 25, Ganuelas-Rosser 20, Rosales 19, Trollano 16, Alas 15, Semerad 4, Gabo 2, Paskah 0.

Quarter: 25-29, 49-50, 88-79, 119-103.

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