Paul Lee erupts for 32 as Magnolia Hotshots defeat San Miguel

The Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok concluded their stint in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup elimination round on a high note after defeating the San Miguel Beermen, 100-90, Sunday in Pampanga.

Magnolia dominated much of the game, leading by as much as 16 points after a Calvin Abueva layup at the 1:09 mark, 100-84.

Paul Lee proved to be crucial in the win, with the guard scoring 18 of his 32 points just in the final period.

Magnolia had the upper hand at the half, 47-39.

On top of Lee's 32, Ian Sangalang registered 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Hotshots' eighth win. Jerrick Ahanmisi added 11 points.

CJ Perez led the Beermen with 20 points,  while Arwind Santos added 18 points. Von Pessumal and Marcio Lassiter had 13 points each.

With the win, the Hotshots inched closer to a playoff bonus and closed their elimination campaign with an 8-3 card. However, they still need to wait for the results of Meralco's (7-2) last two games.

Meanwhile, the Beermen went 6-4 after the loss. The Beermen are set to play the Alaska Aces for their final game.

The scores:

Magnolia 100 – Lee 32, Sangalang 15, Ahanmisi 11, Barroca 9, Dionisio 8, Abueva 8, Pascual 7,  Reavis 4, Corpuz 4, Jalalon 2, Dela Rosa 0, De Leon 0.

SMB 90 – Perez 20, Santos 18, Lassiter 13, Pessumal 13, Zamar 9, Fajardo 8, Tautuaa 5, Ross 4, Comboy 0, Sena 0, Gotladera 0, Gamalinda 0.

Quarterscores: 25-14, 47-39, 66-65, 100-90.

—JMB, GMA News