MAGNOLIA proved to be the better team from start to finish against NorthPort, 110-94, in a battle of all-Filipino teams in Friday night’s PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Aris Dionisio churned out a career-high 30 points spiked by a franchise-record nine three-pointers to help the Hotshots earn a playoff berth in Group A.
READ: Magnolia opts not to play Shabazz Muhammad against NorthPort. Here’s why
The Hotshots improved to a 5-4 record despite missing out on injured import Shabazz Muhammad and forced a tie with idle Converge at third-place in their group.
READ: Converge, Magnolia, NorthPort dispute two QFs spots
The loss officially slammed the quarterfinals door shut on the Batang Pier, who also played minus an import following the Achilles rupture tendon suffered by Australian Venky Jois.
“This is the most important game for us. It’s the game that we need to win for us to go to the quarterfinals," said winning coach Chito Victolero.
All in all, the 29-year-old Dionisio was 9-of-11 from three-point range and 10-of-11 overall.
Sophomore forward Zavier Lucero had a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, Joseph Eriobu got 13, and Calvin Abueva added 12 and nine rebounds, as they more than made up for the absence of Muhammad, who sat out the game due to a swollen right knee.
Magnolia led by as many as 81-55, but slackened in the homestretch to see NorthPort cut the lead down to 12 in the final two minutes.
“I think it’s my fault because I decided to rest my starters and my key players. Charge it to experience for me also. Hindi kami puwedeng mag-relax. It’s not over until it's over,” said Victolero.
Arvin Tolentino had 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while sophomore Damie Cuntapay had 13 and Jio Jalalon chimed in 11 for the Batang Pier, who sank to a 3-6 record with their third straight loss.
The scores:
MAGNOLIA 110 - Dionisio 30, Lucero 16, Eriobu 13, Abueva 12, Sangalang 10, Lee 9, Dela Rosa 9, Barroca 7, Ahanmisi 4, Mendoza 0, Escoto 0, Balanza 0, Laput 0.
NORTHPORT 94 - Tolentino 25, Cuntapay 13, Jalalon 11, Flores 8, Amores 8, Munzon 6, Navarro 6, Onwubere 6, Tratter 4, Bulanadi 4, Taha 2, Nelle 1, Yu 0.
Quarters: 29-13; 57-35; 83-61; 110-94.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
