Jio Jalalon steers Magnolia past Columbian to snap skid

Magnolia frustrated Columbian, 118-103, to finally put an end to its three-game losing skid in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup, Sunday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots weathered several comeback attempts by the Dyip in the final chapter to get back to their winning ways and improved their card to 4-4 in the team standings.

The defending champions saw their 90-76 lead become just six, 100-94, with 7:34 to go but they responded with a 16-4 assault en route to a 116-98 lead with 1:32 left to put the game away.

“I told my players that this is the start our playoff run,” said coach Chito Victolero. “It’s a must-win for us, kasi coming from a three-game losing streak, so kailangan talaga naming makabawi.”

Romeo Travis led the way for Magnolia with 28 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Ian Sangalang produced 24 points and eight rebounds, while Jio Jalalon florted with a triple-double as he finished with 19 points on 9-of-12 shooting, nine rebounds, and eight assists.

Rome Dela Rosa supplied 16 points, as Mark Barroca chimed in 10 markers, seven dimes, and four boards.

CJ Perez set the pace for Columbian with 28 points, eight rebounds, and three assists against seven turnovers.

Import Khapri Alston had 26 points and 14 rebounds, Rashawn McCarthy had 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds, while Juami Tiongson had 13 markers in the loss that dropped the Dyip to 4-5.

Magnolia will take on Phoenix Pulse (2-6) next on November 6, Wednesday, at the Cuneta Astrodome, while Columbian will battle Meralco on Friday, November 8, still at the Big Dome.

The Scores:

Magnolia 118 – Travis 28, Sangalang 24, Jalalon 19, Dela Rosa 16, Barroca 10, Pingris 8, Herndon 6, Lee 5, Pascual 2, Melton 0.

Columbian 103 – Perez 28, Alston 26, McCarthy 18, Tiongson 13, Cahilig 6, Corpuz 5, Khobuntin 5, Calvo 2, Faundo 0.

Quarterscores: 27-29, 61-52, 88-76, 118-103.