PBA: Magnolia welcomes Jio Jalalon back in win over Terrafirma

Magnolia Hotshots’ Jio Jalalon returns in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia got a timely shot in the arm with the return of star guard Jio Jalalon in their playoff-clinching win over Terrafirma in the PBA Philippine Cup.

After a few weeks out due to a knee injury, Jalalon returned to the Hotshots’ lineup at Philsports Arena on Friday, much to the delight of coach Chito Victolero.

“He’s a big factor for us with the energy that he gives every time he steps on the court. Although he’s not a hundred percent, an 80 or 70 percent Jio Jalalon is much better to help us than nothing,” said Victolero in Filipino after their 108-100 win over Dyip.

READ: PBA: Magnolia beats Terrrafirma clinch quarterfinals berth

“You all can see what he can give us.”

Jalalon was a huge boost for Magnolia in the victory that brought them to a 6-4 record despite not playing like his usual self. He finished with just seven points, five assists and three rebounds in only 22 minutes of action.

His managed minutes, though, was just Victolero keeping him safe from re-injuring the knee injury he sustained in the middle part of the all-Filipino conference’s elimination round.

READ: PBA: ‘Mature’ Jio Jalalon a vital piece of Magnolia success

“Jio’s still feeling something so we don’t want to force him. We try to give him limited minutes so he won’t feel forced [to play.]”

“He’s a good addition back for us in terms of scoring, energy, creating and a lot more. He can really do a lot.”

Despite Jalalon being back, Magnolia will still be ending the elimination round without another one of its key cogs in Calvin Abueva, who is nursing a tight hip, as per Victolero.