Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 11) – The Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots escaped a late rally staged by TNT Tropang Giga, 96-93, to remain undefeated in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Mike Harris exploded for Magnolia with double-double numbers of 41 points and 17 rebounds while Paul Lee added 15 points to improve their unbeaten slate to 4-0.
“Our strong defensive start got our offense fired up,” Harris said during the post-match press conference.
The Hotshots led most of the game in double digits, but the Tropang Giga started their scoring run towards the end of the third quarter following three consecutive treys by Gab Banal to trim their deficit to five points at 71-66.
A Jayson Castro free-throw in the 8:38 mark of the fourth quarter gave TNT their first lead of the game, only to be answered by successful Magnolia offensive plays from Harris and Mark Barroca.
With the Hotshots leading by nine with three minutes remaining in the game, the Tropang Giga leaned on Mikey Williams and Kib Montalbo, who shot two straight rainbow shots to cut their deficit to just one at 91-90.
Magnolia converted five of their last eight free-throw attempts on fouls by TNT players in the final minute to seal the victory in the rematch of the 2021 Philippine Cup title protagonists.
“It’s one of our motivation (to win), because they beat us in the finals. But I told them to prepare possession by possession and good thing, the players stepped up. They are very committed on our executions and defense,” said Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero.
Import Aaron Fuller topscored for TNT with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Williams added 17 markers as the Chot Reyes-mentored squad fell to a 2-3 record.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 96 – Harris 41, Lee 15, Barroca 14, Sangalang 7, Abueva 6, Jalalon 6, Reavis 4, Ahanmisi 3, Corpuz 0, Dionisio 0, Wong 0
TNT 93 – Fuller 21, Williams M. 17, Banal 16, Castro 15, Montalbo 8, Williams K. 7, Erram 5, Reyes 3, Rosario 1, Khobuntin 0, Heruela 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0
Quarterscores: 31-14, 52-39, 71-66, 96-93
