MANILA – Magnolia routed TNT, 96-63, in their PBA On Tour showdown at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Friday night.
Down 15-18 after the first period, the Hotshots blew past the Tropang Giga in the second, outscoring them, 28-13, to open a 43-31 halftime lead.
Magnolia is unbeaten in five starts.
Rome Dela Rosa led Magnolia with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Joseph Eriobu added 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal off the bench.
Mark Barroca, James Laput, Jerrick Ahanmisi, and David Murrell each added 11 points, with Laput going 4-for-4 from the field plus 13 rebounds.
Glenn Khobuntin tallied 23 points and five rebounds for TNT, which remained winless in three games.
In the opening game, Terrafirma scored its second win in five games after stunning NLEX, 110-96.
Juami Tiongson put on a show, erupting for 37 points on 7-for-13 from long range to lead the Dyip's offensive charge, which took flight in the second and third quarters where they scored a combined 67.
However, it was their defense that spelled the win, especially in the second half where they held the Road Warriors to just 43 points even as they stretched their lead to as much as 20 points late in the fourth period.
Tiongson also had six rebounds, six assists, and four steals.
Gelo Alolino added 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists and Drei Cahilig chipped in 13 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists.
Don Trollano scored 20 points with four rebounds to no avail as NLEX skidded to 1-4. (PNA)
