Magnolia mangles Kia in 47-pt blowout

PJ Simon of Magnolia prepares to attack the defense of Ronald Tubid of Kia during their game in the 43rd PBA Philippine Cup in Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday. PHOTO BY KC Cruz

The Magnolia Hotshots scored 77 points in the second half to overwhelm Kia Picanto, 124-77, on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup.

Down by two at the half, 49-47, the Hotshots exploded for 34 big points in the third, while limiting Kia to just 11 to rest on an 81-60 lead heading into the final 12 minutes.

Magnolia did not let up in the payoff period, firing 43 more while allowing just 17 to cruise to victory.

The Hotshots bench erupted for 91 big points, led by Justin Melton and Ian Sangalang who tallied 23 and 21 points, respectively.

Rob Herndon added 14, while Rio Jalalon and RJ Simon chipped in 11 points apiece.

Jay-R Reyes paced Kia with 12 points, while Rashawn McCarthy, Ronald Tubid, and Reden Celda scored 11 apiece. Kia simply couldn’t contain Magnolia, as the Hotshots connected on a high 47 percent from the field.

The Picanto, meanwhile, settled for 33 percent.

The Hotshots also hit well from deep, scoring on 11 of their 27 attempts from beyond the arc for 40 percent.

The Picanto, on the other hand, scored in just six of 30 attempts from three-point range.

Kia now remains winless in three outings for last place, while Magnolia improved to 2-1 to tie NLEX.

Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel are both atop the standings with 2-0 win-loss records. — BAP, GMA News