Mark Barroca leads Magnolia. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia came out the gates hard and played with sustained brilliance the rest of the way Friday afternoon to hammer out a 95-77 victory over Phoenix Super LPG in the PBA Philippine Cup at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Mark Barroca led the way with 21 points, five rebounds, and six assists that went with five steals. Aris Dionisio added 19 points and seven rebounds as the Hotshots got a streak going after a shaky start to the conference.
“Next man up, that’s really the mentality this time,” said coach Chito Victolero whose squad improved to 3-3 even without top guns Calvin Abueva and Paul Lee.
Magnolia used an 11-0 spurt to open the contest and then never looked back, burying the enemy to holes as deep as 27 points.
The Fuel Masters, meanwhile, had only two players scoring in double digits. Javee Mocon set a team-high 19 points while Sean Manganti added 11 as the club dropped to 2-3.
Magnolia, after a torturous schedule, will plunge back into action on July 2 to play NLEX.
Phoenix, on the other hand, will try to get back on track when it takes on 4-2 TNT this Sunday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Scores
MAGNOLIA 95 – Barroca 21, Dionisio 19, Jalalon 15, Sangalang 14, Corpuz 14, Wong 5, Brill 3, Reavis 2, Escoto 2, Laput 0, Dela Rosa 0
PHOENIX 77 – Mocon 19, Manganti 11, Wright 9, Jazul 8, Anthony 6, Melecio 5, Perkins 5, Serrano 4,Muyang 4, Rios 3, Tio 3, Porter 0, Garcia 0
QUARTERS: 24-11, 44-27, 63-43, 95-77