PBA: Nick Rakocevic sparks Magnolia rout of NLEX

Magnolia Nick Rakocevic import in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. -PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Nick Rakocevic shook off a knee injury sustained the previous game and delivered a stirring performance that propelled Magnolia to a 111-97 rout of NLEX and remain as the only unbeaten team in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Rakocevic finished with 36 points and 15 rebounds as the Hotshots led by as many as 22 and solidified their hold on top spot in the standings with four wins in as many games.

The Serbian-American got hurt during the fourth quarter of Magnolia’s 94-92 win over TNT exactly a week ago but avoided a severe injury that could have jeopardized his impressive run in the early goings of his PBA debut.

“I was super relieved. Obviously, I want to continue playing for Magnolia and keep this winning streak that we have right now,” he said.

Magnolia won with coach Chito Victolero on the sidelines despite undergoing surgery on his Achilles a few days ago. Victolero arrived while in a scooter and had to be helped by one of the Hotshots’ utility staff.

Rome dela Rosa was sidelined with typhoid fever while Ian Sangalang was also out after being suspected of the same infection.

Jio Jalalon had 18 points, five rebounds, eight assists and six steals while Mark Barroca added 16 for the Hotshots.

NLEX dropped to 2-2 after losing back-to-back games since coach Frankie Lim officially took over the sidelines.

Kevin Alas and Justin Chua finished with 16 points apiece for the Road Warriors.

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The scores:

MAGNOLIA 111 — Rakocevic 36, Jalalon 18, Barroca 16, Lee 9, Dionisio 8, Corpuz 8, Ahanmisi 4, Reavis 3, Abueva 3, Wong 2, Zaldivar 2, Laput 2, Mendoza 0, Escoto 0.

NLEX 97 — Alas 16, Chua 16, Clark 15, Ganuelas-Rosser 15, Trollano 12, Nieto 7, Fonacier 6, Ighalo 6, Varilla 3, Miranda 1, Celda 0.

Quarters: 34-23, 58-48, 86-65, 111-97.