Magnolia Hotshots guard Jio Jalalon.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia played without let up on Saturday night to trample on hapless Converge, 106-75, for a swashbuckling debut in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Hotshots, bridesmaids of the last Commissioner’s Cup, pounced on the errors of the FiberXers, making them look like they didn’t belong on the same floor at Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
“Although we fell short in the last conference, I’m still proud of this team. We will try again this time, and this is a good start for us,” head coach Chito Victolero said in the customary post-game presser for winning coaches.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup
Jio Jalalon starred with 14 points, seven assists and five steals, while club fixtures Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva, and Mark Barroca all finished with at least 12 points each coming off the bench.
Justin Arana had 17 points and six rebounds, while Alec Stockton and Bryan Santos tossed in 15 and 13, respectively, into the scoring effort that still wasn’t enough to help Converge break its dry spell in the centerpiece tournament.
The FiberXers have lost five straight this conference, their overall slump spanning nine games counting their losing streak during the Commissioner’s Cup.