Magnolia’s Paul Lee. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–With its top gun back, Magnolia cruised to an easy 104-83 win over Terrafirma on Friday night in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Paul Lee had 17 points in his first game back from back and calf injuries, backstopping Ian Sangalang’s 20 in the wire-to-wire effort that had the Hotshots rising to 5-3.
“We played well. We were able to execute our game plans and our other players stepped up, so I’m very proud,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
Jio Jalalon tossed in 17 points while James Laput 10 more in the effort that should come in handy for the club’s remaining games.
Magnolia, which finished second place in the last edition of this tournament, plays Meralco, Rain or Shine, and Blackwater next.
The Hotshots led by as many as 35 points.
JP Calvo finished with 20 points. Allen Mina had 15, Joseph Gabayni 12, and Juami Tiongson 11 for Terrafirma which dropped to 0-8 and is pretty much out of playoff contention.
The Scores
MAGNOLIA 104 – Sangalang 20, Lee 17, Jalalon 17, Laput 10, Escorto 9, Abueva 7, Dionisio 5, Corpuz 5, Ahanmisi 5, Wong 3, Zaldivar 2, Barroca 2, Brill 2, ela Rosa 0, Reavis 0.
TERRAFIRMA 83 – Calvo 20, Mina 15, Gabayni 12, Tiongson 11, Gomez de Liano 9, Cahilig 7, Munzon 3, Tumalip 2, Grospe 0, Enriquez 0, Balagasay 0.
Quarterscores: 33-19, 64-33, 83-51, 104-83.