Magnolia found an unlikely hero in Aris Dionisio as it avoided back-to-back losses in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The sophomore forward drained a cold-blooded triple that paved the way for Magnolia to complete a come-from-behind 112-105 double-overtime win over NLEX on Wednesday, September 8.

His side trailing 101-104 near the end of the first overtime period, Dionisio kept Magnolia alive by sinking the clutch shot over the outstretched arms of JR Quiñahan plus the foul.

Although Dionisio muffed the bonus foul shot that would have secured his team the win, it was enough as Magnolia outscored NLEX, 7-1, in the second extra quarter for the win.

“If it were not for Aris, we would have lost,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero in Filipino. “At least he made the three-point shot. Thanks to Aris.”

Sharing minutes at the forward spot with the likes of stars Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang, Dionisio has to earn his playing time.

In their previous game against conference leader TNT that ended in a loss, Dionisio was reduced to a spectator as he did not play a single minute.

But the standout from St. Clare proved he is worthy of more playing time after making the most out of his conference-high 19 minutes against NLEX with conference-bests of 11 points and 5 rebounds to go with three triples.

“Aris is always ready. I think it is my fault also that sometimes I’m not able to give him longer minutes,” Victolero said.

“He is slowly adjusting to the three spot and he spreads the floor.”

Magnolia remained at second place with a 6-2 record just behind TNT, which totes a 6-1 card. – Rappler.com