ALASKA found another serviceable stretch big man in Marion Magat in the absence of its Gilas Pilipinas representatives in the team’s 99-95 win over Rain or Shine in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Without Carl Bryan Cruz as well as star Calvin Abueva, Magat filled the void as he registered 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including two triples, six boards, two assists, and one block in 29 minutes as a starter.
It was rousing return for the 6-foot-6 National University product after missing the last three games.
“I’m through the roof happy for Marion Magat,” Aces coach Alex Compton said. “He started out getting opportunities then he got sick then lost some opportunities then made the most out of us having two players with Gilas.”
Seldom used since Alaska drafted him with the 18th overall pick in 2015, Magat repaid the trust of Compton after immediately being thrust in the starting lineup following his absence.
And Magat's contribution came in crucial juncutres as he scored five points in the final frame, including a short stab that gave the Aces a 94-90 lead, a cushion they lost, but regained down the stretch.
“That came out of nowhere, what he did, but he was a big contributor - to not get a lot of minutes and then to come in and play that way was great, so I’m just really happy for him,” Compton said of the 28-year-old Dagupan native.
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