Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Paul Lee caught fire, scattering 30 points and Magnolia beat Alaska, 108-95, for a rousing start to its 2018 PBA Philippine Cup campaign Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Lee may not be 100 percent to open the season he but showed that he’s more than ready to step up to the plate once again for the Hotshots, hitting the crucial baskets to fend off the late rally from the Aces.
The star guard had a very efficient 11-of-14 clip from the field, and collected seven rebounds and six assists off the bench.
Bambam Gamalinda got 15 markers, while Ian Sangalang tallied a double-double of 13 points, 10 boards with four blocks in the victory.
Rookie Robbie Herndon also impressed in his debut despite nursing back spasms as he unloaded nine points and seven rebounds, none bigger than his dagger jumper, 105-95, with 1:15 to go.
“It was very hard to win the first game, especially to start the season. I told my players that we need to match up with the aggressiveness and intensity of Alaska. On order for us to win this game, our will to win must be higher than them,” said coach Chito Victolero.
Calvin Abueva paced the Aces with 20 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists, while Vic Manuel also had 20 markers and eight boards.
Fifth overall pick Jeron Teng also had his moments, going for 16 points and two rebounds in his first game in the pro league.
The scores:
MAGNOLIA 108 – Lee 30, Gamalinda 15, Sangalang 13, Dela Rosa 10, Simon 9, Herndon 9, K. Pascual 9, Barroca 6, Melton 3, Ramos 2, Brondial 2.
ALASKA 95 – Abueva 20, Manuel 20, Teng 16, Casio 10, R. Pascual 7, Enciso 5, Exciminiano 5, Banchero 4, Thoss 3, J. Pascual 2, Cruz 2, Magat 1, Racal 0.
Quarters: 21-26, 57-47, 87-74, 108-95.