Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 30) – Top seed Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots live another day after dominating the Meralco Bolts, 94-73, in Game 4 of their PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals series on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Mike Harris unleashed his usual numbers with 34 points and 18 rebounds while Paul Lee contributed 17 markers and five assists in their big win to force a rubber match on Friday.
On the brink of elimination before the game, the Hotshots displayed their confidence on the court with their strong shooting from all ranges, and suffocating defense against the Bolts.
Magnolia started to lead in double digits in the second quarter with Harris and Calvin Abueva doing the damage on the floor.
The top seeded squad maintained their balanced attack in the third quarter, but struggled early in the payoff period as Meralco trimmed their deficit to six points, 67-73, off a three-pointer by Allein Maliksi in the 5:33 mark.
It was the Bolts’ final stand in the ball game as the Hotshots staged a 12-0 scoring run led by Harris and Lee to widen their advantage.
The biggest lead for Magnolia came with an Abueva free-throw, 90-68, with over two minutes left in the contest as they held Meralco to their lowest scoring output in the conference.
“No more tomorrow, that was our mentality. We need to grind possession by possession on both ends of the floor and enjoy the game, which are the factors why we won,” said Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero after the game.
Tony Bishop topscored for the Bolts with 22 points and 16 rebounds while Chris Newsome settled for 11 markers.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 94 – Harris 34, Lee 17, Abueva 11, Jalalon 10, Corpuz 9, Barroca 5, Sangalang 4, Reavis 2, Brill 2, Wong 0, Dela Rosa 0
MERALCO 73 – Bishop 22, Newsome 11, Almazan 8, Maliksi 7, Banchero 7, Quinto 6, Caram 4, Hodge 3, Black 3, Baclao 2, Canete 0, Belo 0, Pasaol 0
Quarterscores: 20-19, 42-30, 62-52, 94-73
