Lee catches fire as Magnolia torches NLEX to level semis series

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Paul Lee went berserk and led Magnolia to a 99-84 win over NLEX to even their 2018 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series at 1-1 Monday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

Lee dropped 10 of his 25 points in the first quarter before putting on the finishing touches to bounce back from his forgettable eight-point showing in Game 1.

“We just only tied the series,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero, who downplayed his team’s blowout victory.

“Credit to my players because of the team effort on both ends. We adjusted a little bit on our defense, and on offense, we just tried to move the ball and looked for the good shots which is what we didn’t do in Game 1. We did a good job on defense on their guards, especially the guards who are creating for them.”

Magnolia seized control of the game early and built a 12-point lead, 32-20, in the first half.

Kiefer Ravena rallied the Road Warriors to within four, 66-62, with 1:14 to play in the third frame, but it was Magnolia’s night for the taking with Aldrech Ramos drilling a three to douse NLEX’s comeback, before Peter June Simon secured the victory in the payoff period where he dropped all of his eight markers.

Ian Sangalang added 18 points and eight rebounds, while Mark Barroca shook off a sprained ankle to tally 11 markers and six boards for Magnolia.

Jio Jalalon flirted with a triple-double with nine points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, while also helping in limiting super rookie Ravena, who had seven assists, to just nine markers.

Alex Mallari and JR Quiñahan both had 13 points to lead the Road Warriors in scoring.

The scores:

MAGNOLIA 99 — Lee 27, Sangalang 18, Barroca 11, Dela Rosa 10, Ramos 10, Jalalon 9, Simon 8, Reavis 4, Brondial 2, Gamalinda 0, Mendoza 0.

NLEX 84 — Mallari 13, Quiñahan 13, Al-Hussaini 10, Ravena 9, Miranda 8, Alas 6, Fonacier 6, Tiongson 6, Soyud 5, Baguio 4, Taulava 4, Ighalo 0, Monfort 0.

Quarters: 27-20, 48-39, 70-62, 99-84.