Magnolia downs NLEX, extends win streak to three

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots extended their win streak to three after taking down the NLEX Road Warriors, 119-103, on Thursday in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots started to pull away in the final moments of the third period as they made a 7-0 run to claim an 88-79 advantage. Before securing the third win, Magnolia's lead ballooned to 21, 108-87, after two free throws made by import Antonio Hester.

Hester posted 37 points and 15 rebounds, while Jio Jalalon almost registered a triple double with 17 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds. Paul Lee had 18 points while Mark Barroca and Aris Dionisio made 13 points apiece.

Wayne Selden had 25 points and nine assists, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser tallied 20 points and seven rebounds in the NLEX loss.

With the win, Magnolia improved to 3-3 while NLEX went down to 4-2.

Magnolia will be back in action on Wednesday next week against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, while NLEX will face Converge on Saturday.

The Scores:

Magnolia 119 – Hester 37, Lee 18, Jalalon 17, Barroca 13, Dionisio 13, Abueva 10, Corpuz 4, Escoto 4, Dela Rosa 3, Ahanmisi 0, Reavis 0, Wong 0, Laput 0.

NLEX 103 – Selden Jr. 25, Ganuelas-Rosser 20, Rosales 19, Trollano 16, Alas 15, Semerad 4, Gabo 2, Pascual 0.

Quarter scores: 25-29, 49-50, 88-79, 119-103.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News