September 2 ------ MAGNOLIA breezed past Terrafirma, 124-103, to gain a timely confidence boost in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Hotshots went on a hot start right from the get-go on racing to a 28-9 advantage behind import Glenn Robinson III, Ian Sangalang, and Jerrick Ahanmisi. Before the first half could end, Magnolia's lead already ballooned to 28 points on a four-point play completed by Paul Lee.
The Hotshots coasted from there to even their win-loss record at 2-2 and bounce back from an 88-82 loss to defending champion TNT Tropang Giga three days ago. Terrafirma remained winless in four games in Group A as it continues with its struggle that was compounded even more by the injuries suffered by high-scoring guard Juami Tiongson and young big man Kemark Carino, along with the bad game of import Antonio Hester.
Ahanmisi finished with a career-high 24 points spiked by a 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the 27-foot arc, while Robinson had a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds despite coming off a bout with food poisoning. “We did very well especially with that strong start. We played on our pace, and I think our defense dictated it right away, and yun naghawa-hawa na lang siguro lahat,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. Four other players finished in double figures for Magnolia, which led by as high as 60-22 in the second quarter.
Sophomore big man Zavier Lucero had 15 points including 13 in the third quarter, while Sangalang, Paul Lee, and Joseph Eriobu went a combined 39 points for the Hotshots, who will face Northport next before meeting Meralco in an out-of-town sortie in Panabao City, Davao Del Norte on Saturday. Stanley Pringle had 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists in a losing cause for the Dyip. Christian Stanhardinger came through with a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds, but failed to get enough help from Hester, who was held to just two points on a 1-of-4 stint from the floor.
The scores
Magnolia (124) - Ahanmisi 24, Robin III 20, Lucero 15, Sangalang 14, Lee 13, Eriobu 12, Balanza 7, Barroca 6, Laput 6, Dionisio 4, Abueva 3, Mendoza 0, Reavis 0, Dela Rosa 0, Alfaro 0.
Terrafirma (103) - Pringle 23, Standhardinger 22, Hernandez 18, Sangalang 9, Ramos 9, Ferrer 7, Hanapi 7, Cahilig 6, Hester 2, Tiongson 0, Olivario 0, Carino 0.
Quarterscores: 34-13; 63-32; 86-64; 124-103.
Source: spin.ph
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