Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 3) – The Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots are back to their winning ways with a 94-78 romp of Blackwater in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup, Friday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Five Magnolia players produced double-digit scoring outputs, led by slotman Ian Sangalang and guard Mark Barroca who each chipped in 16 points.
Paul Lee added with 15 markers while Calvin Abueva registered with a double-double effort of 14 points and 10 rebounds to improve Magnolia’s slate to 5-1.
Rookie Jerrick Ahanmisi also contributed with 12 points off the bench to help the squad rebound from their heartbreaking 94-95 loss against Meralco last Sept. 1.
The Hotshots were off to a slow start in the first quarter with Blackwater’s Kelly Nabong and Ed Daquioag converting their treys for a 26-22 lead.
The momentum started to shift towards the end of the second quarter as Magnolia went for a 44-41 lead at halftime, courtesy of free-throw shots and a three-point basket from pesky guard Jio Jalalon.
Magnolia controlled the game in the third canto, leading by as much as 19 points in that frame.
Blackwater, which is still winless after six games, failed to reverse the outcome in the fourth quarter as the Hotshots continued to get enough scoring contributions from their players.
Nabong led Blackwater in a losing effort with a double-double of 19 points and 14 boards, while Mike Tolomia added 16 markers.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 94 – Barroca 16, Branch 16, Abueva 14, Ahanmisi 7, Lee 15, Jalalon 7, Corpuz 6, Brill 2, Dela Rosa 4, Reavis 2, Pascual 0
BLACKWATER 78 – Nabong 19, Tolomia 16, Amer 9, Daquioag 8, Paras 6, Cruz 6, Channel 6, Enciso 5, Escoto 2, Golla 1, Desiderio 0, Dennison 0, Torralba 0
Quarterscores: 22-26, 44-41, 70-57, 94-78
