Magnolia guard Jio Jalalon in the PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia raised its winning run to four straight games after a 0-3 start with a dominant performance to beat Rain or Shine, 112-97, in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Jio Jalalon once again put up an all-around effort of 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists as the Hotshots moved up to fifth place following a wire-to-wire victory over the Elasto Painters.
Fellow guards Mark Barroca and Paul Lee also made 19 points each while import Antonio Hester had 17 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and two steals for Magnolia.
Coach Chito Victolero and the Hotshots have not lost since Hester came in to replace Eric McCree.
The Hotshots once led by 23 with Jalalon making an imprint on both ends to frustrate an Elasto Painters side that played catchup throughout.
Also key was seldom-used Russell Escoto with 10 points and eight rebounds, taking advantage of the minutes he had with Ian Sangalang still out for Magnolia.
Rain or Shine dropped to a tie for eighth spot with Phoenix after its two-game winning streak was snapped.
Import Greg Smith II returned to action after finally securing a clearance from the Dominican Republic, the last country where he played, but could only score 15 points on a 3-of-10 clip.
Santi Santillan and Nick Demusis posted 14 and 11 points for the Elasto Painters.
WATCH: Magnolia’s Jio Jalalon and coach Chito Victolero after win against Rain or Shine. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/PhWKS1C0U5
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 22, 2023
The scores:
MAGNOLIA 112 — Jalalon 19, Lee 19, Barroca 19, Hester 17, Escoto 10, Dela Rosa 8, Reavis 6, Dionisio 6, Abueva 4, Wong 2, Zaldivar 2, Mendoza 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 97 — Smith 15, Santillan 14, Demusis 11, Yap 9, Belga 9, Caracut 9, Ildefonso 8, Asistio 6, Norwood 5, Nambatac 5, Mamuyac 4, Clarito 2, Ponferrada 0.
Quarters: 33-19, 53-44, 91-77, 112-97.