Two teams fighting for one of the top four seeds faced off to open PBA Philippine Cup action on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Montalban: Magnolia Hotshots and NLEX Road Warriors. In the end, Magnolia got the win, 98-82, to hike their record to 6-3 and in prime position to score a twice-to-beat advantage. NLEX, on the other hand, fell to 6-3 but is still on track for a top-four finish.
What Happened?
Magnolia, as in their previous game against the Converge FiberXers, started off strong, establishing an early lead and winning the first quarter, 28-22. Then, the Hotshots really put the pressure on NLEX in the second canto, clamping down on the Road Warriors and holding them to just 8 points to zoom ahead, 47-30, after 24 minutes of action. NLEX played catch-up the rest of the way but couldn’t make headway, ultimately falling to their third loss in nine games.
Who Stood Out?
Zavier Lucero continues his spectacular showing this PBA Philippine Cup, doing it all for Magnolia to the tune of 18 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Rome Dela Rosa provided some additional firepower with 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting on top of 5 rebounds and 2 steals.
It was a gargantuan struggle for NLEX against Magnolia even as five Road Warriors finished in double digits. Javee Mocon was the steadiest of them all, finishing with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, and shooting nearly 50% from the field with a 5-for-12 clip.
3 Keys to the Game
- Defense. Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio has been preaching defense since day one, and his team showed out in that aspect on Sunday, putting the clamps on NLEX in the first half and holding it to just 30 points in 24 minutes. That was all the Hotshots needed to build a cushion they kept the rest of the way. In all, the Road Warriors shot a measly 37.7% from the floor.
- Sharing the wealth. Another thing Tenorio has emphasized this season is ball movement, and the Hotshots were moving that ball crisply against NLEX, leading to open shots and easy looks. In all, Magnolia shot 47.9% and recorded 27 assists, with Paul Lee leading the ball distribution with 8 dimes.
- Starters showed up for Magnolia. Magnolia’s starters outscored their NLEX counterparts, 51-38, and it was a difference-maker. The first five Hotshots on the floor on Sunday also outrebounded the Road Warriors’ starting unit, 24-14, and had more assists, 16-8.
Next Up for the PBA
PBA Philippine Cup action shifts to the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday with two crucial outings involving perennial contenders trying to move up the standings. The Meralco Bolts return to action when they take on the Terrafirma Dyip, with hopes of evening their 3-4 record. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will be looking to do the same when they face off with the Blackwater Bossing.
Meralco vs. Terrafirma (5:15 p.m.)
Ginebra vs. Blackwater (7:30 p.m.)
