WATCH: Aris Dionisio Highlights [Magnolia vs NLEX | Feb. 16, 2023]

Jio Jalalon came one rebound shy of a triple-double as Magnolia stormed back from an 11-point deficit in the 3rd to defeat NLEX with plenty to spare, 119-103, Thursday night in the PBA Season 47 Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The 30-year old point guard finished with 17 points, 12 assists and 9 boards in 32 minutes of action as the Hotshots booked their thirst straight win after opening the season-ending conference with three successive losses. The Road Warriors, on the other hand, absorbed their second straight setback and fell down to 4-2.

Antonio Hester submitted another commendable performance as the former Terrafirma import scored 37 points on 15-of-19 shooting with 2-of-2 coming from beyond the 3-point arc. He also tallied 15 rebounds, 5 assists and a block.

“It’s all about the adjustments in the second half. We did a good job on adjusting on our defense and then sabi ko lang sa kanila, we need to get our pace, kasi yung first half is pace ng NLEX,” said Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero during the post-game presser.

“Nakuha namin yung rhythm namin. And the big factor is Big Hes, kasi everybody’s enjoying the game, parang kasundo niya lahat, so nag-eenjoy kami na nandyan siya and at the same time, nag-eenjoy siya sa mga kasamahan niya. Yun lang naman yun eh,” he added.

Paul Lee fired 18 points spiked by 4-of-11 shooting from long distance while Mark Barroca and Aris Dionisio chipped in 13 markers apiece with the latter shooting a perfect 5-of-5 including 3 from 3-point country. Calvin Abueva added 10 points, 8 boards, 2 assists and 4 rejections.

The Hotshots will enjoy a 5-day break before gunning for win number 4 on Wednesday, February 22, 5:45pm against a rejuvenated Rain or Shine squad at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.