Magnolia Hotshots’ Paul Lee. –PBA IMAGES
Magnolia stretched its unbeaten record to seven games behind another collective effort to pummel Meralco, 121-101, in the PBA On Tour on Sunday at Filoil Ecooil Centre in San Juan City.
Paul Lee dropped 28 points while five others scored in double figures as the Hotshots encountered little problems in disposing the Bolts to move four wins shy of sweeping the exhibition series.
But coach Chito Victolero said the perfect slate is the least of his concerns.
“We want to make good habits and create a good culture within the team,” said Victolero.
The win came as Victolero bared Calvin Abueva’s availability in the Hotshots’ next game on Sunday against the San Miguel Beermen at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Abueva has yet to play in the On Tour due to a nagging problem on his leg.
Lee had 22 in the first half before finishing the game with seven three-pointers for Magnolia.
Jio Jalalon posted 18 points and six assists, James Laput had 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, Mark Barroca produced 12 points and six assists in 20 minutes while Jerrick Ahanmisi and Joseph Eriobu added 11 apiece.
Diego Dario scored 22 points in the defeat that sent Meralco at 4-3 despite playing the duration of the On Tour without key names like Chris Newsome and Aaron Black.
Seldom-used Franky Johnson got heavy minutes from coach Luigi Trillo and tallied 13 points.
The scores:
MAGNOLIA 121—Lee 28, Jalalon 18, Laput 14, Barroca 12, Ahanmisi 11, Eriobu 11, Tratter 8, Murrell 6, Mendoza 6, Dela Rosa 4, Reavis 3.
MERALCO 101—Dario 22, Quinto 14, Hodge 13, Johnson 13, Torres 12, Almazan 10, Maliksi 8, Pascual 7, Jose 2, Pasaol 0.
Quarters: 27-18, 59-45, 88-70, 121-101.