MANILA – Magnolia continued to roll on Thursday while keeping Terrafirma winless in the Philippine Basketball Association bubble season via a 103-89 rout at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
Held to just 17 points in the first 12 minutes, the Hotshots waxed hot for 31 points in the second quarter before holding the Dyip to just 14 points in the third period to set up the blowout.
Paul Lee exploded for 29 points on 7-of-10 shooting, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal for Magnolia, which won for the third straight time and breached the .500 mark at 4-4.
Rome dela Rosa added 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting including 3-of-4 from three-point range, four rebounds, and two assists.
Ian Sangalang came up with a double-double of 16 markers and 10 boards with two steals.
CJ Perez poured out 19 points, four caroms, one dime, and three swipes for Terrafirma, which fell to 0-7, putting the team in danger of getting the early boot in the bubble season.
In another game, Meralco survived a huge endgame push from Rain Or Shine to preserve an 85-78 win.
Despite outscoring the Elasto Painters, 28-7, in the third quarter to open a 74-51 lead, the Bolts nearly squandered their huge lead as the former came alive in the last nine minutes of the fourth, trimming the lead down to six, 82-76, with 45 seconds left.
Meralco escaped after clutch free throws from Chris Newsome finally sealed the win.
Newsome finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists for the Bolts, who tied the Phoenix Fuel Masters for fourth place in the team standings at 5-3, putting them in a good position to land a Top 4 spot come the quarterfinals, which will mean a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.
Baser Amer added 14 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
James Yap put up a vintage performance of 18 markers, seven boards, and two dimes for the Elasto Painters, who fell to sixth place at 4-3.
Box Scores (1st game):
Magnolia 103 -- Lee 29, Dela Rosa 17, Sangalang 16, Corpuz 10, Dionisio 9, Banchero 8, Jalalon 7, Melton 3, Reavis 2, Barroca 2, Calisaan 0, Abundo 0
Terrafirma 89 -- Perez 19, Celda 16, Camson 14, Khobuntin 10, Tiongson 9, Calvo 6, Ramos 6, Adams 5, Gabayni 2, Cahilig 1, Batiller 1, Balagasay 0.
Quarterscores: 17-18, 48-46, 76-60, 103-89.
Box Scores (2nd game):
Meralco: 85 - Newsome 17, Amer 14, Hugnatan 13, Maliksi 9, Hodge 8, Quinto 8, Jamito 6, Black 5, Almazan 4, Pinto 1, Jackson 0
Rain Or Shine: 78 - Yap 18, Torres 11, Belga 11, Nambatac 8, Borboran 6, Wong 6, Tolentino 6, Mocon 5, Onwubere 3, Norwood 2, Ponferada 2, Rosales 0
Quarterscores: 27-28, 46-44, 74-51, 85-78 (PNA)
