Hotshots roar to 4th straight win, catch Elite, Fuel Masters at second
Magnolia Pambansang Manok pulled away early on a solid job on both ends of the court and never let up to leave Blackwater in tatters, 133-99, in the PBA Governors Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.
The Hotshots sustained their hot run and doused cold water on the Elite's own surge, thus, forging a three-way tie at second place among Magnolia, Blackwater and Phoenix Petroleum at 6-2, a game behind solo leader Barangay Ginebra (7-1).
For all intents and purposes, it's a won ball game for Magnolia at the end of the third, having taken the starch out of Blackwater, with Henry Walker gone on technical fouls and the Elite staring at a 73-98 deficit.
Frustration got the better of the Elite who were whistled a total of three technical infractions plus a warning on team manager Joel Co.
Sponsored content: But the Hotshots simply outworked and outplayed the Elite, taking the opening quarter at 35-19 and the half at 64-43, and were hardly threatened on the way to a fourth straight win.
Magnolia drew tremendous effort from its starting unit and its second group as it foiled Blackwater's bid at catching Ginebra at the helm.
Paul Lee, inspired by newborn baby and a fresh playing contract, provided the early spark as part of the starting unit, coming through with 19 points, including four-of-six three-pointers.
Jio Jalalon was as inspired, coming through with a career first triple-double job with 13 markers, 13 assists and 12 rebounds off the bench.
Romeo Travis was all business compared to Walker who ranted at the referees practically all night.
Sponsored content: And there were Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang with their sterling games off the bench.
Travis had his near triple-double with 22 markers, 12 boards and seven dish-offs while Barroca and Sangalang contributed 16 and 15 points, respectively.
Walker had a good stats line with 27 points and 18 markers but failed to draw the needed support from his local teammates in this game. (SB)
