MANILA – Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots relied on a huge second quarter rampage to defeat NorthPort Batang Pier, 125-89, in the 2023 PBA on Tour last night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Jerrick Ahanmisi drilled five three-point conversions to end up with 23 points, while Joseph Eriobu and James Laput contributed 16 and 15 markers, respectively, for the streaking Hotshots.
Jackson Corpuz ended up with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Jed Mendoza and Rome dela Rosa contributed 11 markers apiece as the Hotshots remained undefeated in six games.
From a 21-all score after the first quarter, the Hotshots created separation in the second frame as they outscored the Batang Pier, 32-20, behind Mendoza, Dela Rosa and Laput for a 53-41 halftime lead.
The Hotshots continued to dominate the Batang Pier in the second half with Ahanmisi drilling his outside shots to establish their largest lead at 125-86 following a three-pointer from Eriobu.
Arvin Tolentino finished with 19 points, John Michael Calma added double-double 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Joshua Munzon and Michael Salado had 10 each as the Batang Pier dropped to 3-3.
In the first game, Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters returned to their winning ways as they took down Terrafirma Dyip, 104-92. The Fuel Masters improved to 3-3, while the Dyip dropped to 3-4.
Down 24-25 after the first 12 minutes, the Fuel Masters relied on conversions by Tyler Tio, Javee Mocon and Reden Celda in the second quarter to surge ahead at 46-40 at the half.
The Fuel Masters maintained their aggression against the Dyip in the second half with Celda, Mocon, Chris Lalata and Larry Muyang as the lead reached its largest at 24 points in the final quarter.
Celda top-scored for the Fuel Masters with 19 points, Lalata added 15 markers, while Mocon, Simon Camacho, Muyang and Tio contributed 13, 12, 11 and 10 points, respectively.
BOX SCORE:
MAGNOLIA 125 – Ahanmisi 23, Eriobu 16, Laput 15, Corpuz 14, Mendoza 11, Dela Rosa 11, Barroca 10, Lee 8, Jalalon 8, Murrell 5, Reavis 4, Sangalang 0.
NORTHPORT 89 – Tolentino 19, Calma 14, Munzon 10, Salado 10, Zamar 9, Yu 9, Ayaay 5, Santos 4, Gabriel 3, Olivario 3, Comboy 3, Bulawan 2, Balagasay 0, Bauzon 0, Sobrevega 0.
Quarterscores: 21-21, 53-41, 83-64, 125-89./PN
