PBA IMAGES
Magnolia pulled away early to cruise to a 133-99 whipping of Blackwater for their fourth consecutive win in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday night at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Romeo Travis notched 22 points and 12 rebounds while Jio Jalalon recorded his first career triple-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists with only one turnover in close to 24 minutes off the bench as the Hotshots rose to solo second with a 6-1 record.
“Before this game, we were worried about Blackwater. We know they’re playing at a high level and we had to match if not surpass their effort and desire,” said Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero in Filipino.
“I’m happy and proud of my players because they always respond to my challenges. Our game plan against their import and locals were executed and we dictated the tempo of the game from the start.”
The Hotshots went on a 23-7 tear in the last seven minutes of the opening period and never let up.
Paul Lee added 19 points, five rebounds and four assists for Magnolia, which shot 56 percent from the field and led by as much as 38.
“I’m happy with our record but we can’t be contented,” said Victolero, who is bracing for another streaking team in Alaska next.
Elite import Henry Walker had 27 points and 18 rebounds before getting tossed after picking up two technical fouls with 1:34 remaining in the third quarter.
Blackwater slid into a tie in fourth place with Phoenix at 6-2.