Magnolia stays undefeated, routs Phoenix – rezal404
Magnolia guard Jio Jalalon goes for a layup against Phoenix in the PBA On Tour. PBA PICTURES
MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia used a blistering fourth quarter to cruise past Phoenix, 111-91, in the PBA on Tour at San Juan Arena on Sunday.
Ahead by just a point early in the final frame, the Hotshots closed the game on a 31-12 run in the final 9:31 to move within a game of completing a preseason sweep.
“We need these types of games. I told them it’s all about trusting the system, execution and your teammates. That was the reminder for the fourth quarter,” told coach Chito Victolero in Filipino.
“We needed to stay composed because these are the types of games where we’d need the composition of Jio, Mark and my other veterans.”
Veteran guards Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon powered Magnolia to his 10th victory in as many games, combining for 41 points, nine rebounds, 14 assists and five steals.
Jalalon led the way with 22 points, four rebounds, nine assists and four steals in just 25 minutes.
A triple by Joseph Eriobu put Magnolia on top by 20, 104-84, with only 3:43 remaining.
Jayjay Alejandro registered a game-high 24 points while Reden Celda contributed 22 for Phoenix, which absorbed its fifth straight defeat.
Magnolia goes for a perfect preseason campaign against Terrafirma on Wednesday at the same venue.
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