Magnolia extends win streak, snaps Barangay Ginebra's unbeaten start in Christmas Day clash

In front of more than 4,000 basketball fans, the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok extended their winning streak to three as they dismantled Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the marquee matchup of the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup Christmas Day games, 117-94, on Saturday.

Magnolia led by as much as 31, 91-60, in the 1:05 mark of the third period, after a Jio Jalalon layup.

Trailing by more than 20 points, Barangay Ginebra tried to cut down their deficit and drilled multiple triples in the fourth period. Arvin Tolentino waxed hot from rainbow country after connecting four triples in just that final quarter.

LA Tenorio and Justin Brownlee joined the party, but it was not enough as Magnolia answered with treys from Paul Lee, Rome dela Rosa, and import Mike Harris.

The Hotshots made a 32-point rampage in the second period to claim the lead at the end of the first half, 61-42. Magnolia again produced 32 points in the third period against Ginebra's 25 to continue their hold of the lead, 93-67.

Harris led Magnolia with 29 markers and 15 boards, while Lee added 20 points in the Magnolia win.

Brownlee had 21 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort, while Japeth Aguilar had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Tolentino made 15 points off the four triples he made in the deciding period.

Magnolia (3-0) and Ginebra (3-1) will see action again in January 2022.

The scores:

Magnolia 117 – Harris 29, Lee 20, Abueva 13, Jalalon 12, Barroca 11, Ahanmisi 10, Sangalang 9, Dela Rosa 8, Dionisio 5, Corpuz 0.

Ginebra 94 – Brownlee 21, Tolentino 15, Aguilar 14, Standhardinger 13, Tenorio 11, Salado 7, Thompson 6, Onwubere 6, Enriquez 1, Caperal 0, Chan 0.

Quarterscores: 29-20, 61-42, 93-67, 117-94.

—JMB, GMA News