Magnolia Stays Unbeaten, Pulls Off 111-91 Win Over Phoenix LPG

The Magnolia Hotshots continued their dominant run in the PBA On Tour preseason series, securing their 10th consecutive victory with a convincing 111-91 win over the Phoenix Super LPG at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. 

The Hotshots’ impressive performance was led by the dynamic duo of Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca, who combined for 41 points, 14 assists, and nine rebounds.

Despite the absence of key players Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang, the Hotshots showcased their depth and resilience as they overcame the Fuel Masters’ hot three-point shooting. 

Jalalon, in particular, had a stellar outing, scoring 22 points while also dishing out nine assists and grabbing four rebounds. Barroca, on the other hand, contributed 19 points, five boards, and five assists, displaying his versatility on both ends of the floor.

Aris Dionisio, who recently returned from injury, played a crucial role, adding 15 points and eight rebounds to the Hotshots’ cause. Meanwhile, Jerrick Ahanmisi provided support with 11 points, helping to maintain their spotless record in the preseason series.

The Fuel Masters put up a valiant effort, rallying from a 22-point deficit and capitalizing on their three-point shooting to stay within striking distance in the second half. 

Guards Jayjay Alejandro and Reden Celda were on fire, combining for an impressive 55 points. Alejandro, who averaged just six points in the Tour, erupted for 24 points, draining 6-of-11 from beyond the arc. Celda also made his mark, contributing 21 points, including five three-pointers.

Despite their remarkable effort, Phoenix was unable to overcome Magnolia’s deeper bench and overall performance. The Hotshots’ well-rounded game proved to be too much for the Fuel Masters to handle, leading to their fifth consecutive loss and a disappointing 3-8 record in the preseason series.

Looking ahead, Coach Jamike Jarin and his team remain hopeful as they anticipate the return of key players Jason Perkins and Raul Soyud in the upcoming season. They are determined to regroup and put on a better show when the official PBA season kicks off.

On the other hand, Coach Chito Victolero and his confident Hotshots are on the verge of completing a historic sweep in the PBA On Tour. With their remarkable 10-0 record, they are just one game away from a perfect 11-0 card. Their final challenge comes in the form of a showdown against the Terrafirma Dyip, and they are determined to end the preseason on a high note.

As basketball enthusiasts eagerly await the upcoming PBA season, the Magnolia Hotshots’ extraordinary performance in the PBA On Tour has undoubtedly raised the bar for all teams in the league. Fans are excited to witness whether the Hotshots can accomplish the rare feat of a preseason sweep or if the Dyip can pull off an upset and halt their unstoppable run. 

The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown, and basketball aficionados can hardly wait to see how it all unfolds on the hardwood.