MAGNOLIA’S playoff experience spelled the difference in Game 3 of their best-of-three quarterfinal series with upstart NLEX to advance in this year’s Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.

Last night, the Chicken Timplados Hotshots survived the pressure to score a thrilling 112-108 overtime win over the Road Warriors at the Mall of Asia Arena and are now scheduled for a best-of-seven semifinal duel against reigning champion TNT Tropang Giga.

Delivering 24 points and 11 rebounds, Ian Sangalang paced Magnolia’s onslaught but it was point guard Jio Jalalon’s steady play that shone down the stretch by scoring seven of his 16 points in overtime, alongside seven rebounds and six assists.

Magnolia’s other guard Paul Lee also finished with 21 points and five assists while Game 1 star Mark Barroca wound up with 14 and forward Calvin Abueva delivered 13 markers. (ai/mtvn)

The Scores:

Magnolia (112) — Sangalang 24, Lee 21, Jalalon 16, Barroca 14, Abueva 13, Dela Rosa 12, Corpuz 6, Dionisio 4, Wong 2.

NLEX (108) — 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, 112-108 (OT).