PBA: Magnolia pulls away to thwart Blackwater and stay unbeaten

Magnolia Hotshots import Tyler Bey. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia stayed unbeaten going into prime matchup with San Miguel Beer, needing a big fourth quarter breakaway to come up with a 105-84 victory over Blackwater in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Hotshots scored 13 straight points bridging the third and fourth periods to finally put the fight out of the upset-minded Bossing and stayed perfect in the elimination phase of the season-opening conference with a 6-0 record.

Import Tyler Bey had 26 points and 22 rebounds to pace Magnolia in the win that will come before facing San Miguel.

The two squads face off on Sunday at the same venue in a matchup that could determine if Magnolia is indeed a team that is among the strongest to be considered as title pursuers.

Paul Lee scored 19 points while Jio Jalalon, Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang and Joseph Eriobu were also key for the Hotshots.

Blackwater dropped its sixth straight match since opening the season with a victory over Converge as import Chris Ortiz was held to only eight points on 3-of-13 shooting.

Rookie Christian David and Mike Ayonayon scored 13 points apiece for Blackwater.

The Bossing were still knocking at the door late in the third, only down 66-65, before the Hotshots made their run.

Bey capped off the blitz with a triple and Magnolia took an 79-65 lead with over eight minutes to go in the fourth.

The scores:

MAGNOLIA 105—Bey 26, Lee 19, Jalalon 10, Sangalang 10, Barroca 10, Eriobu 9, Laput 5, Tratter 5, Dela Rosa 3, Mendoza 3, Escoto 3, Reavis 2, Ahanmisi 0, Murrell 0, Dionisio 0.

BLACKWATER 84—David 15, Ayonayon 15, Rosario 14, Suerte 13, Ilagan 13, Ortiz 8, Guinto 3, Amer 2, escoto 1, Ular 0, Hill 0.

Quarters: 27-23, 52-47, 70-65, 105-84.