Hotshots stalk leader

Using a hot start and a solid finish, Magnolia withstood Kiefer Ravena’s career game and still went on to rout NLEX, 105-94, at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night as the Hotshots continued stalking the PBA Philippine Cup leader.

Magnolia opened up double-digit leads right in the first six minutes and took command the rest of the way to win for the second straight game and rise to 3-1, just half-a-game off the frenetic pace being set by history-seeking, three-time defending champion San Miguel Beer.

That the Hotshots were able to pull off such a convincing win on Ravena’s career night speaks well of how tough the team is.

“We adjusted pretty well defensively,” coach Chito Victolero said as Magnolia clamped down hard on Ravena’s support cast. “We tried stopping Kiefer, but he just found ways [to score]. I am just very glad that we were able to limit their other players.”

Ravena, after coming off an eight-point outing, erupted for 31 but still couldn’t prevent the Road Warriors from losing a second straight game and dropping to 2-2 overall.

“This is a great start to the New Year,” Victolero said of their second straight win, which comes on the heels of a defeat to sister team Barangay Ginebra on Christmas Day.

Paul Lee didn’t disappoint in his much-hyped dream matchup with Ravena, pacing the Hotshots with 21 points. He hit four triples, bringing his career total to 499.

Earlier, Alaska made Kia Picanto look more pitiful than it already is, scoring a 102-65 victory for its first winning streak in the conference.

After leading the first half by just five points, 39-34, the Aces held the Picanto to five third quarter points, Kia’s lowest output in a quarter ever.

It was the sharpest form that the Aces displayed in quite a while as they rose to a level
2-2 card.

In the last two frames, Alaska scored 63, just two shy of Kia’s total game output, with rookie Jeron Teng finishing with 23 points.