An almost forgotten Jio Jalalon knocked in seven points in overtime to lead the Magnolia Timplados Hotshots to a 112-106 win over NLEX Sunday night in Game 3 of their do-or-die best-of-three quarterfinal game at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Jalalon, who got apologies from coach Chito Victolero for overlooking his inclusion inside the court in the last two minutes of regulation, had 22 points for the Hotshots as they made it to the best-of-seven semifinals of the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
“Sorry to Jio, nakalimutan ko sa fourth quarter. I told him I will get to him for every possession,” said Victolero, as the Hotshots now get ready for their showdown with the TNT Tropang Giga.
The 29-year-old point guard from Cagayan de Oro, scored on a drive and three-pointer during an 11-3 run in the last 1:15.
Jalalon’s heroics allowed the Hotshots to finally pull away,108-100, in the 1:15 mark.
Ian Sangalang shot a game-high 24 points for the Hotshots, while Paul Lee added 22.
Calvin Oftana, who powered the Road Warriors with 24 points, last put NLEX ahead with his split charity, 97-94, with a minute in regulation.
After Sangalang turned the ball over, NLEX had a chance to win in regulation.
But a steal from Jalalon, followed by Calvin Abueva’s assist to Paul Lee’s trey in the last 12 seconds helped Magnolia send the match into overtime, 97-all.
Another steal from Jalalon off Oftana in the remaining 2.7 seconds kept NLEX from forcing a win.
The Road Warriors levelled the series last Friday with a 90-77 triumph over the Hotshots.
“Sa fourth quarter, nu’ng last two minutes, sabi ko sa mga coaches gusto kong maglaro, gigil kasi ako. Mabuti naman at pinagbigyan ako,” said Jalalon.
The scores:
MAGNOLIA 112—Sangalang 24, Lee 21, Jalalon 16, Barroca 14, Abueva 13, Dela Rosa 12, Corpuz 6, Dionisio 4, Wong 2.
NLEX 106 — Oftana 32, Trollano 22, Alas 17, Chua 10, Semerad 8, Quinahan 8, Rosales 5, Varilla 2, Nieto 2, Soyud 0.
Quarters: 26-30, 51-54, 79-78, 97-97 (Reg), 112-106 (OT).