Magnolia's Jalalon earns PBA weekly player honors

MANILA, Philippines – Magnolia playmaker Jio Jalalon’s inspired effort against Blackwater and Alaska didn’t go unnoticed after being named the Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week in the 2018 Governors’ Cup for the period of October 8-14.

Despite playing in a guard-heavy backcourt, Jalalon has learned to find ways to shine as he averaged 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 1.5 steals this past week to beat teammates Paul Lee and Mark Barroca, NorthPort’s Sean Anthony and Stanley Pringle, San Miguel’s Christian Standhanrdinger and Marcio Lassiter, along with Rain or Shine big man Jewel Ponferada for the weekly citation.

Using his quickness and playmaking skills, Jalalon churned out his first-ever triple-double performance in the pro ranks, finishing with 13 points, hauling down 12 rebounds and issuing 13 assists in leading the Pambansang Manok to a 133-99 rout of the Blackwater Elite last Wednesday.

The former Arellano University standout sustained his all-around effort after scoring 18 points, grabbing nine rebounds, issuing five assists and adding a steal in helping Magnolia outlast Alaska, 83-73 Sunday night.

Magnolia has won its last five assignments overall to hold firmly to the top spot with its 7-1 record.

The Pambansang Manok have a chance to strengthen their top 4 bid in the playoffs with a win against the Meralco Bolts this Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.