Magnolia returned to its winning ways at the expense of NorthPort, 106-97, on Saturday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
The win came after Magnolia fell to Rain or Shine last Sunday, and the victory handed the Hotshots a slot in the quarterfinals.
The Batang Pier had a slim 53-51 lead by halftime and even led 73-63 with around three minutes left in the third frame before the Hotshots inched closer and trailed within four, 75-71 by the end of the third period.
Magnolia then surged in the fourth quarter with Paul Lee making 10 points in the said frame anchored on two four-pointers.
After trailing 82-80 early in the final frame, Magnolia made a 9-3 run to claim an 89-85 lead. Will Navarro then completed a three-point play for NorthPort before the Hotshots made an 11-0 run to reach the century mark and the lead ballooned to 12. Aris Dionisio’s triples bookended Joshua Munzon’s triple for Magnolia to take a 106-93 lead before they claimed the victory.
Zav Lucero stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, eight boards, three steals, two blocks, and two assists, while Lee had a total of 16 markers, to go with six assists and five boards. Mark Barroca added 15 points, while Peter Alfaro had 13 points. Dionisio and Jerom Lastimosa, meanwhile, had 10 points apiece as the Hotshots improved to 7-1.
Navarro led the Batang Pier with 27 points, 13 attacks, four steals, and three assists, while Sidney Onwubere and Jio Jalalon had 19 and 16 points, respectively. Munzon, meanwhile, had 14 points.
Scores:
Magnolia 106 – Lucero 20, Lee 16, Barroca 15, Alfaro 13, Lastimosa 10, Dionisio 10, Abueva 8, Sangalang 7, Dela Rosa 5, Eriobu 2, Mendoza 0, Escoto 0, Ahanmisi 0.
NorthPort 97 – Navarro 27, Onwubere 19, Jalalon 16, Munzon 14, Kwekuteye 9, Nelle 7, Yu 3, Flores 2, Cuntapay 0, Bulanadi 0.
Quarters: 32-27, 51-53, 74-75, 106-97.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
