MAGNOLIA proved too much for a depleted NorthPort side, running away with a 104-87 victory to keep its unbeaten slate in the PBA Governors Cup on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The backcourt troika of Jio Jalalon, Mark Barroca, and Peter June Simon stepped up to compensate the continued absence of national player Paul Lee and helped the Hotshots win their second straight game.
Barroca topscored with 20 points on 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range while Jalalon and Simon combined for 21 points to dominate a NorthPort backcourt that was missing Stanley Pringle and the injured Nico Elorde.
"They stepped up big in our last two games and I believed they were able to compensate yung pagkawala ni Paul," said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero of his guard rotation.
The Hotshots came through with a total of 19 steals, a new franchise record, with import Romeo Travis contributing seven and Barroca five.
They also forced NorthPort to a total of 27 turnovers, and outscored the Batang Pier in points from turnovers, 41-17.
Rome dela Rosa finished with 17 points while Travis added 15 and 22 rebounds for Magnolia, which improved to 2-0.
The Batang Pier fell to their third straight loss as they also continue to miss the services of injured players Sean Anthony and Jeric Teng.
Rashad Woods led NorthPort with 25 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Paolo Taha added 22.
The scores:
Magnolia (104) - Barroca 20, Dela Rosa 17, Travis 15, Jalalon 13, Reavis 8, Simon 8, Herndon 8, Melton 4, Sangalang 4, Brondial 4, Ramos 3, Gamalinds 0, Mendoza 0, Pascual 0, Abundo 0.
NorthPort (87) - Woods 25, Taha 22, Grey 10, Gabayni 10, Tautuaa 9, Guinto 6, Javelona 3, Fortuna 2, Arana 0, Flores 0, Espinas 0.
Quarterscores: 27-17; 48-39: 75-62; 104-87
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