The Magnolia Hotshots are back to their winning ways thanks to a 106-97 win over the NorthPort Batang Pier on Saturday at Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur in the continuation of the 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup.
Magnolia’s bounce back from its sorry loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters didn’t come easy, though, as NorthPort stood toe-to-toe with the league-leading Hotshots all the way to the last eight minutes of the game. In fact, the Batang Pier was still leading after three, 75-74. They were still ahead, 85-83, at the 8:14 mark and looked primed for an upset.
Paul Lee Leads Lethal Magnolia Breakaway
Paul Lee, though, snuffed out any chance of a stunner, leading a backbreaking 15-3 run that turned an 85-tie into a 100-88 advantage going into the final minutes. Lee began his takeover with a four-pointer to give the Hotshots the lead for good, 89-85. He then hit another four ball and converted on a lay-up to extend the lead to 97-88.
In all, Lee accounted for nearly half of Magnolia’s final 21 points. He finished with 16 markers on an efficient 5-for-9 clip. Mark Barroca, who had two jumpers in the Hotshots’ 21-12 windup, added 15 points and 7 assists. Zavier Lucero, meanwhile, was brilliant all game long, finishing with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Peter Alfaro chipped in 13, while Jerom Lastimosa and Aris Dionisio had 10 apiece.
William Navarro had 27 points and 13 rebounds for the Batang Pier, who were still without the unsigned Arvin Tolentino. Sidney Onwubere added 19 markers and 9 caroms, while Jio Jalalon scattered 16 points, 6 boards, and 2 steals. Joshua Munzon chipped in 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
With the win, the Hotshots hiked their league-leading record to 7-1 and moved closer to securing a top four spot. NorthPort, on the other hand, fell to 1-6 with its fifth straight defeat.
The scores:
Magnolia (106) – Lucero 20, Lee 16, Barroca 15, Alfaro 13, Lastimosa 10, Dionisio 10, Abueva 8, Sangalang 7, Dela Rosa 5, Eriobu 2, Mendoza 0, Escoto 0, Ahanmisi 0
NorthPort (97) – Navarro 27, Onwubere 19, Jalalon 16, Munzon 14, Kwekuteye 9, Nelle 7, Yu 3, Flores 2, Bulanadi 0, Taha 0, Cuntapay 0
Up Next:
Magnolia vs. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on June 1 (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
NorthPort vs. TNT Tropang 5G on May 30 (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup Continues
The 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup continues late today with its usual Sunday double-header, this time at PhilSports Arena. The first game will be a showdown between the Blackwater Bossing and San Miguel Beermen. The second game will be a tussle between the NLEX Road Warriors and Meralco Bolts.
