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

Magnolia guard Jio Jalalon in the PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

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

Jalalon had 17 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists, his play on both ends keyed the Hotshots rally from a double-digit deficit and claim a third straight victory after an alarming 0-3 start for a team considered as perennial contenders.

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

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

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

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

A depleted NLEX side saw the absence of Mike Miranda and Sean Anthony to injuries, though it didn’t prevent the Road Warriors from taking a 66-55 lead in the third.

But Jalalon’s play, despite hurting his foot for the second straight game, enabled Magnolia to come back late in the same period, before pulling away in the fourth with Hester hitting 16 in that stretch.

The scores:

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, Pascual 0.

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