Magnolia guard Paul Lee in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia remained red hot on Friday night, starving Blackwater in the final frame for a 75-66 decision in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Hotshots leaned on Calvin Abueva and Paul Lee, who took turns in the second half to help the club forge a best-of-three duel with NLEX, which unfurls this Sunday also at the Big Dome.
“We got our goal of (ending eliminations at) 8-3,” said Abueva, who finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. “(The Bossing) played the first half at their pace. We played the second at ours, and things turned out well for us.”
Lee topscored with 22 points for Magnolia, which annexed a seventh-straight win in the centerpiece tournament.
“In the second half, the aggressiveness of Calvin, Jio (Jalalon) and Paul brought us back. And that’s Magnolia basketball,” said coach Chito Victolero.
Overall pick Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser was the lone player who finished in double figures for Blackwater, which settled for the No. 8 seed and will play No. 1 and twice-to-beat San Miguel Beer on Wednesday next week.
“The only good thing is that (NLEX) also played today. So that even things out,” said Victolero.
“This will be a great series. There’s a 50-50 chance. It will boil down on our mindset and preparations,” he added.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 75 – Lee 22, Abueva 15, Sangalang 8, Dionisio 7, Corpuz 7, Jalalon 4, Barroca 4, Wong 4, Ahanmisi 2, Dela Rosa 2, Reavis 0
BLACKWATER 66 – Ganuelas-Rosser 12, Suerte 8, Casio 7, Escoto 7, Ular 6, Amer 6, McCarthy 5, Dyke 5, Ayonayon 5, Melton 2, Go 2, Publico 1, Ebona 0
Quarterscores: 13-15, 27-32, 49-49, 75-66.