Calvin Abueva leads Magnolia to its first win in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia finally broke through in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday, pulling the rug from under NorthPort, 80-77 Wednesday afternoon at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Rome dela Rosa hit a wide-open triple from the left wing with six ticks remaining—his first make after seven tries—to help the Timplados to a maiden victory after narrowly losing their first two matches in the centerpiece tournament.
The shot also preserved a big outing from the reigning Best Player of the Conference Calvin Abueva who finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds.
Abueva drop. Jalalon stab! #PBAGameTayoDito pic.twitter.com/idisCoDCsm
— PBA (@pbaconnect) June 15, 2022
Arwind Santos led the way for NorthPort with 18 points, but the ageless veteran wasn’t able to hit the one basket that mattered most, as the miss doomed the Batang Pier to their first loss.
The victory should give Magnolia all sorts of boosts as sister teams and heavyweights San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra are up next.
The 2-1 Batang Pier, meanwhile, play dangerous Blackwater next.
The Scores
Magnolia 80 – Abueva 23, Lee 12, Dionisio 12, Jalalon 8, Sangalang 8, Barroca 8, Dela Rosa 3, Wong 3, Corpuz 2, Reavis 1, Zaldivar 0.
NorthPort 77 – Santos 18, Malonzo 15, Sumang 15, Bolick 13, Calma 7, Balanza 4, Ferrer 3, Vigil 2, Ayaay 0, Dela Cruz 0, Javier 0.
Quarters: 21-17, 42-33, 57-55, 80-77.