MANILA -- Magnolia secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals after mauling Meralco, 94-65, at the Xavier University Gym in Cagayan De Oro on Saturday night.
The Hotshots broke away for good with a 15-2 run that broke a 22-all tie and opened a 37-24 edge that was extended to as high as 31 with less than a minute left in the game.
Paul Lee led Magnolia, which ended its elimination round stint at 8-3, with 21 points on 9-of-17 shooting, one rebound, one assist, and three steals.
Ian Sangalang came off the bench to add 12 points, six rebounds, and one block, while Justin Melton came close to a triple-double with eight points and eight rebounds.
Chris Newsome had 13 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals for Meralco, which was eliminated from playoff contention as its stint in the season-opening conference ended at 4-7.
Box Scores:
Magnolia 94-Lee 21, Sangalang 12, Herndon 10, Melton 8, Simon 8, Barroca 7, Mendoza 5, Reavis 4, Pingris 4, Gamalinda 4, Brondial 4, Pascual 4, Dela Rosa 3
Meralco 65-Newsome 13, Sedurifa 10, Lanete 9, Caram 8, Ballesteros 6, Amer 5, Salva 4, Canaleta 4, Faundo 4, Hugnatan 2, Dillinger 0, Bono 0, Tolomia 0, Baracael 0
Quarterscores: 20-15, 44-32, 68-48, 94-65 (PNA)
