PBA: Paul Lee helps Magnolia shake off NorthPort

Magnolia Hotshots’ Paul Lee during a PBA Governors’ Cup game. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia broke free from NorthPort in the homestretch to claim a 105-94 victory Wednesday and move to solo third in Group A after the first round of the PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Paul Lee made key plays when it mattered while Zavier Lucero posted a double-double at the expense of his former team as the Hotshots improved to a 3-2 win-loss slate halfway into their group stage campaign.

Import Glenn Robinson was also key in the win with his game-high 25 points on top of 11 rebounds, three rebounds, four assists and two steals.

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NorthPort dropped to fourth at 2-3 with a second straight loss, as Arvin Tolentino was held to 11 points on 5-of-14 shooting after erupting for a career-best 51 two games prior.

Jio Jalalon had five points but on a 2-of-9 shooting with three rebounds, five assists and two steals in his first meeting against the Hotshots, the team he played from 2016 to 2024.

The Hotshots faced Jalalon for the first time since sending the cat-quick guard to the Batang Pier in the offseason in exchange for Lucero, who had a brief time with his then-team due to an injury that stemmed back to his UAAP days with University of the Philippines.

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Lucero put up 16 points and 12 rebounds as he continued to provide an all-around showing for Magnolia since the trade.

Lee finished with 20 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. His assist to Aris Dionisio for a corner three followed by his basket and a Robinson dunk from a Lucero pass allowed Magnolia to gain a 101-91 lead, time down to 1:26 in the fourth.