MANILA – Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots turned things around in the second half and defeaedt NLEX Road Warriors, 87-73, in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Down by 14 points at the half, the Hotshots opened the third quarter with a huge run behind Jiovani Jalalon for a 53-all count before Andy Mark Barroca unloaded 10 straight points for a 65-55 edge.
The Road Warriors trimmed it to 65-67 but the Hotshots got three-pointers from Adrian Wong and Rome dela Rosa and inside conversions from Ian Sangalang for its biggest lead of 84-66.
Barroca finished the game with 18 points, with 10 in the third quarter, while Jalalon added 16 points, nine assists and six rebounds as the Hotshots moved up to 4-3.
Aris Dionisio chipped in 14 markers and eight boards, while Sangalang contributed 12 points and nine rebounds for the Hotshots, which were still without injured star guard Paul Lee.
JR Quiñahan led the way with 17 points, while Celedonio Trollano and Calvin Oftana added 14 markers apiece as the Road Warriors slumped to 4-3 record.
In the first game, San Miguel Beermen waxed hot in the fourth quarter to deflate NorthPort Batang Pier, 122-106, to take the solo first place in the standings with 6-1 slate.
From an 82-all score after three quarters, the Beermen opened the fourth period with three-pointers from Robbie Herndon and Marcio Lassiter for a 90-82 edge.
The Batang Pier rallied to within 86-90 but the Beermen went for the kill with conversions from Herndon and Ilonggos Jericho Cruz and Paul Zamar for its largest lead at 111-90.
Herndon finished the game with career-high 21 points, including five triples, while June Mar Fajardo added 21 points and nine rebounds for the Beermen.
BOX SCORE:
MAGNOLIA 87 – Barroca 18, Jalalon 16, Dionisio 14, Sangalang 12, Abueva 8, Wong 8, Dela Rosa 6, Corpuz 5, Corpuz 5, Reavis 0, Ahanmisi 0, Escoto 0.
NLEX 73 – Quinahan 17, Trollano 14, Oftana 14, Chua 9, Alas 9, Rosales 7, Semerad 2, Ighalo 1, Paniamogan 0, Magat 0, Miranda 0.
Quarterscores: 20-24, 32-46, 65-58, 87-73./PN
