Author: Bon Maddagan
Photo Credit: PBA Images
Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots clinched a vital win over a shorthanded but stubborn NorthPort Batang Pier on September 4, elevating their standing to 3-2, third-best in Group A.
The Hotshots were expected to win easily given Northport’s absence of key players like William Navarro, who had a 33-point outburst in a game against Terrafirma, and import Venky Jois. Both are nursing a sprained ankle. However, the Bonnie Tan-mentored squad defied expectations by keeping in step against a healthier Magnolia team.
Lucero and Robinson Lead Magnolia to Victory
Magnolia secured the victory thanks to a strong team effort, led by new addition Zavier Lucero, who powered them with a double-double. He had 16 points, and 12 rebounds to go along with 2 blocks. Meanwhile, we saw Glenn Robinson III fill the stat sheet, finishing with 25 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. Paul Lee also played a crucial role, contributing 20 points and making several key plays down the stretch.
Northport, on the other hand, saw a breakout game from Cade Flores, he finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Arvin Tolentino had a double-double to back him up, with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Robinson and Flores Trade Key Plays in the Fourth
The game remained close until early in the fourth quarter when Robinson’s basket pushed Magnolia’s lead to 9 (76-85). But Flores would respond as he converted a three-point play against a very good defender in Calvin Abueva and made two putback shots to tie the game at 87 a piece. But Magnolia proved to be the much deeper and tougher team as Robinson, Lee, and Lucero connected with very timely shots to sustain their lead and eventually win the game for them.
The Scores :
- MAGNOLIA 105 – Robinson 25, Lee 20, Lucero 16, Ahanmisi 10, Abueva 10, Sangalang 8, Barroca 5, Dionisio 5, Balanza 2, Dela Rosa 2, Laput 1, Mendoza 0, Eriobu 0
- NORTHPORT 94 – Flores 23, Munzon 13, Cuntapay 12, Tolentino 11, Yu 10, Onwubere 7, Jalalon 5, Bulanadi 4, Tratter 4, Nelle 3, Amores 2, Taha 0
- QUARTERS: 23-22, 46-46, 76-73, 105-94
