Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6) – The Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots solidified their hold on the top spot of the PBA Governors’ Cup after a blowout win against the Alaska Aces, 118-91, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Magnolia import Mike Harris, who also had a stint with Alaska, imposed his will in the game with 38 points and 10 rebounds as he shot a 75 percent clip.
The Hotshots, which now hold a 9-1 record, started strong in the first quarter with Harris and the returning Ian Sangalang asserting their might in the paint for a 37-18 lead.
Magnolia’s clicking offense and suffocating defense were essential in maintaining their wide margin throughout the game to hold off Alaska in the latter’s final eliminations game.
Sangalang, who returned from a knee injury, finished with 14 points while Jio Jalalon notched a double-double with 12 markers and 11 assists to fill up the scoring woes of veteran guards Paul Lee and Mark Barroca.
“There’s no such thing as no bearing. Our attitude, mindset, and system are the most important,” said Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero, whose team now holds a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
RK Ilagan topscored for Alaska with 14 points as they finished their eliminations campaign with a 6-5 record, enough for a quarterfinals seat.
The Aces observed a solemn moment as they retired the jersey number of long-time center Sonny Thoss.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 118 – Harris 38, Sangalang 14, Jalalon 12, Corpuz 12, Lee 8, Escoto 8, Barroca 7, Wong 7, Reavis 4, Dionisio 3, De Leon 3, Dela Rosa 2, Ahanmisi 0, Capobres 0
ALASKA 91 – Ilagan 14, Ahanmisi 12, Ashaolu 12, Bulanadi 11, Taha 8, Stockton 7, Tratter 6, Teng 6, DiGregorio 5, Tolomia 4, Faundo 4, Marcelino 2, Adamos 0, Publico 0, Racal 0
Quarterscores: 37-18, 61-45, 87-67, 118-91
