October 26 ------ PAUL Lee hit his stride just in time as Magnolia snapped a three-game losing streak with a 102-92 win over Barangay Ginebra on Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena and Cultural Center. After a slow start, Lee converted key baskets in a 14-0 run to help Magnolia clinch only its second win in five outings. His long three put the game away for the Hotshots a 99-89, ending an 11-game losing streak to the Gin Kings in elimination-round games.
Ginebra suffered its first loss in the bubble after a 4-0 start, leaving TNT all alone at the top with a 5-0 slate. Magnolia coach Chito Victolero heaved a sigh of relief as the Hotshots ended a sldie that included a blown 17-point lead against Phoenix. “’Yung losses namin, parang we feel na puwedeng manalo eh. In the last two, three minutes of the game, doon nawawala ‘yung mental toughness namin. And that’s not our character. Hindi ‘yun ‘yung Magnolia Hotshots basketball na character,” said Victolero.
Lee finished with 15 points, including seven points in that pivotal run which he capped with a three-point play for a 78-75 lead for Magnolia. Jackson Corpuz led Magnolia in scoring with 20 points, while Mark Barroca tallied 15 points. Ian Sangalang and Rome Dela Rosa added 14 and 13 apiece. Ginebra, which failed to protect a 75-65 lead in the rivalry game, which was played for the first time without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The loss spoiled a gallant effort by Stanley Pringle, who once again led Ginebra in scoring with 24 points. Japeth Aguilar had 13 points and Scottie Thompson added 10 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists.
The scores:
Magnolia 102 – Corpuz 20, Lee 15, Barroca 15, Sangalang 14, Dela Rosa 13, Banchero 10, Jalalon 9, Reavis 6, Melton 0, Calisaan 0, Pascual 0, Dionisio 0.
Barangay Ginebra 92 – Pringle 24, J. Aguilar 13, Thompson 10, Dillinger 9, Chan 9, Caperal 8, Tenorio 6, Tolentino 6, Mariano 4, Devance 3.
Quarters: 25-25; 52-54; 78-77; 102-92.
Source: spin.ph