Everything simply worked for Magnolia in its win over Terrafirma in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Terrafirma played well for the first 12 minutes of action on Sunday, May 4.
But from the second period onwards, Magnolia simply battered the Dyip on all fronts, 127-94, in their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup skirmish at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
All 15 players made a field goal for the Hotshots, who maintained their place atop the heap after cruising to a fifth straight win in as many games.
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Despite everybody stepping up, Zavier Lucero shone the brightest with 17 points and nine rebounds for Magnolia, who turned it up a notch after unloading an unanswered 23-0 blitz in a dominant second period.
Paul Lee contributed 13 points and three rebounds, Jerrick Ahanmisi and Joseph Eriobu had 11 points apiece and combined for 10 rebounds.
“Very happy. Everybody stepped up. Everybody contributed,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
“'Yon naman ang system namin. We just tried to go hard everytime we step on the court, give our 100 percent.”
But Victolero was quick to temper expectations, admitting that Magnolia still has a long way to go in fulfilling its goal for the conference.
“But sabi ko nga kanina, the goal is how we finish strong. Yes, we are happy, we have a good start compared to our last two conferences, but we’re still far from our goal,” Victolero said.
“We have to keep on working hard every time we prepare for the game.”
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Meanwhile, Louie Sangalang posted 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, but the Dyip crashed to their fourth straight loss for a 1-4 card.
Stanley Pringle and Kevin Ferrer added 17 points each.
Magnolia vs Terrafirma Scores:
MAGNOLIA 127 – Lucero 17, Lee 13, Ahanmisi 11, Eriobu 11, Laput 9, Abueva 8, Lastimosa 8, Sangalang 8, Dela Rosa 8, Balanza 8, Barroca 7, Alfaro 6, Escoto 6, Reavis 4, Dionisio 3.
TERRAFIRMA 94 – Sangalang 19, Pringle 17, Ferrer 17, Olivario 8, Melecio 7, Ramos 7, Hernandez 6, Catapusan 6, Nonoy 4, Zaldivar 3, Hanapi 0.
Quarterscores: 27-25, 65-37, 91-63, 127-94.