Paul Lee suddenly caught fire from way downtown in the endgame, steering Magnolia to a 117-92 thrashing of Meralco to extend its winning streak in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Lee went perfect from the field in the pivotal fourth quarter, highlighted by a spotless 3-of-3 shooting from the four-point line, to finish with 27 points as the Hotshots made it six wins in a row to continue leading the standings.
Ian Sangalang supplied the help off the bench after finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds, and one assist while Zav Lucero, Rome Dela Rosa, and James Laput chipped in 11 markers each to keep Magnolia unscathed.
Chris Newsome gave Meralco the lifeline in the fourth after sinking a three-pointer to cut the deficit to nine, 81-90. But Lee sparked the finishing blow for the Hotshots by first knocking down four free throws then burying a huge four-point shot for a 98-83 advantage.
Lee, who was given a flagrant foul penalty one late in the third quarter due to an unintentional kick to Cliff Hodge, then nailed back-to-back four-pointers to stretch their lead to 108-86 with 4:20 left.
Chris Banchero led the Bolts with 20 points, five rebounds, and one assist while Newsome finished with 14 markers, three boards, and four dimes as they fell to 3-5.
Scores:
Magnolia 117 – Lee 27, Sangalang 16, Dela Rosa 11, Laput 11, Lucero 11, Lastimosa 9, Barroca 9, Alfaro 9, Abueva 8, Escoto 2, Dionisio 0, Ahanmisi 0, Mendoza 0.
Meralco 92 – Banchero 20, Newsome 14, Almazan 13, Quinto 13, Hodge 10, Black 10, Cansino 8, Bates 4, Jose 0, Rios 0, Pasaol 0, Torres 0.
Quarters: 30-19, 55-45, 82-73, 117-92.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News