ANTIPOLO – Magnolia blew Terrafirma away, 127-94, to remain undefeated in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center.
The Hotshots were on even terms with the Dyip in the opening quarter until a decisive 23-0 blast by Magnolia in the second period proved to be the beginning of the end for the hapless Dyip.
By the half, Magnolia already sat on a 28-point spread.
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Game over.
Led by the 17 points of Zav Lucero, Magnolia posted its fifth straight win to keep the top spot in the standings as the only remaining unbeaten team.
“We’re happy we have a good start compared to the last two conferences. But we’re still far from our goal,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
"And the goal is how to finish strong.”
Paul Lee (13), Jerrick Ahanmisi (11) and Joseph Eriobu were the other players to finish in double figures for Magnolia, whose 23-0 run in a five-minute stretch is an all-time franchise best, according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
The previous longestrun by Magnolia was 20-0 back in 2011 when the team then carrying the B-Meg brand edged Rain or Shine, 102-100.
The Hotshots led by as many as 65-32 late in the second quarter, allowing Victolero to empty his bench and field 15 Magnolia players – all of whom managed to score.
The Dyip suffered their fourth straight loss and fell to a 1-4 record. They have lost their last four outings by an average of 28.5 points.
The loss put to naught the near triple double of sophomore big man Louie Sangalang, who finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists.
The scores:
Magnolia (127) - Lucero 17, Lee 13, Ahanmisi 11, Eriobu 11, Laput 9, Abueva 8, Lastimosa 8, Sangalang 8, Dela Rosa 8, Balanza 8, Barroca 7, Alfaro 6, Escoto 6, Reavis 4, Dionisio 3.
Terrafirma (94) - Sangalang 19, Pringle 17, Ferrer 17, Olivario 8, Melecio 7, Ramos 7, Hernandez 6, Catapusan 6, Nonoy 4, Zaldivar 3, Hanapi 0.
Quarterscores: 27-25; 65-37; 91-63; 127-94.
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