The Magnolia Hotshots Chicken Timplados (2-0) were unstoppable inside, cruising to a 127-119 win over the Titan Ultra Giant Risers (1-2). Meanwhile, the Meralco Bolts (2-2) came back from being down 16 points and secured a hard-fought 89-75 victory against Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel (1-2) on October 17.
TOP PERFORMERS OF THE DAY:
Zavier Lucero MAG PF 23 PTS | 17 REB | 4 AST | 48.4 FPS
Lucero was just too hot to handle. He already had a double-double by halftime and took over in the second half to lead his team to their second straight win.
Joshua Munzon TIT SG 28 PTS | 6 AST | 3 STL | 47.4 FPS
Munzon continues his stellar play this conference, logging his second straight game with at least 28 points while averaging 2.6 stocks. He’s been sharp inside and at the line, shooting 12-of-21 from two and 10-for-14 on free throws over his last two outings.
Christopher Elijah Newsome MER SG 19 PTS | 8 REB | 4 AST | 36.6 FPS
Newsome delivered when it mattered most, scoring seven crucial points in the fourth quarter to help his team get the win. After a slow start in their first two outings, he’s found his rhythm — averaging 20.5 points and hitting 14 of 15 free throws over his last two games.
Andy Mark Barroca MAG PG 16 PTS | 4 REB | 7 AST | 32.3 FPS
Barroca is starting the conference strong, averaging 11.5 points and 6 assists while also continuing to make a strong impact on defense.
Ian Paul Sangalang MAG C 21 PTS | 5 REB | 3 AST | 30.5 FPS
Sangalang was a force in the paint, shooting 9-for-13 and helping his team to a +52 advantage in points inside.
Jerrick John Balanza TIT SF 14 PTS | 6 REB | 2 STL | 30.2 FPS
Balanza wasn’t at his best scoring-wise, but his aggressiveness allowed him to get to the line, where he took full advantage by going 8-of-10. He’s stepped up in the last two games with Abueva out.
Rhon Jay Abarrientos GIN PG 14 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST | 27.3 FPS
RJ recorded his third-straight double-digit scoring game this conference with a nearly perfect 6-of-7 shooting from the line. However, his three-point shooting has been a concern, making just 4 of 18 so far.
Renato Ular TIT PF 17 PTS | 6 REB | 1 BLK | 27.2 FPS
Ular stepped up with Abueva unavailable, scoring 10 points in the first 15 minutes of the game. He finished with an efficient 8-for-14 shooting from the field.
Sonny Estil GIN PF 9 PTS | 2 REB | 4 STL | 22.4 FPS
Estil has shown that he can contribute in scoring even in limited minutes, averaging 8 points in his first three games.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE DAY:
Stephen Holt GIN SG 12 PTS | 2 STL
Holt had a tough time on offense, going 3-for-11 from the field. He also continues to have problems with his outside shot, hitting just 5-of-15 to start the conference.
