PBA: Magnolia stays perfect, routs Phoenix

Magnolia guard Adrian Wong shoots a jumper during a game against Phoenix. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia remained perfect at the top of the ladder taking the fire out of Phoenix, 103-83, in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots bumped their winning run to 6-0 while the Fuel Masters slipped to 4-3 at the fifth spot.

Ian Sangalang converted on a layup to give Magnolia a commanding 65-43 lead capping off a 27-6 run midway through the third.

Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero said that his team’s mantra for the game was to establish a near-impenetrable defense and that was what his players did against Phoenix.

Harris is just so strong 💪🏼

65-43 Magnolia, 6:03 3q #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/XjxmLWYgRJ

— PBA (@pbaconnect) February 19, 2022

“Our identity is a defensive team, we want to play defense, and we enjoy playing defense,” said Victolero. “We’re very much thankful because our guys stepped up on that end of the floor.”

Magnolia heeded Victolero’s instructions as it held Phoenix to 39 percent shooting from the field including 30 percent from deep.

For their part, the Hotshots converted 46% of their shots from the field.

Mike Harris had 20 points, 13 rebounds, and two steals to lead Magnolia while Adrian Wong showed out with 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.

Matthew Wright led the Fuel Masters with 18 points, five rebounds, and six assists.

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