Ruthless Magnolia decimates Phoenix to book semis clash with Meralco

Top seed Magnolia never turned back from a solid start to eliminate the Phoenix Super LPG from contention, 127-88, and move on to the semifinals of the PBA Governors' Cup on Friday.

The Hotshots fired 11 three-pointers in the first half alone for a huge 66-46 lead over the Fuel Masters, who were coming off a grueling knockout battle for the last playoff spot against NorthPort.

Magnolia continued waxing hot in the third capped by a pair of charities from Paul Lee, who gave his side an 86-62 upper hand to spoil a mini run from Phoenix.

The wards of Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero, who ended the elimination round with a 9-2 card, capped the third canto with a furious 16-5 run led by youngster Adrian Wong, 102-67.

Phoenix could not recover from that point on, allowing Magnolia to cruise to a semifinals showdown with the Meralco Bolts, who dismantled the San Miguel Beermen in the previous game.

Lee led the Magnolia rally, finishing with 25 points, including five triples in their first half barrage, to go along with six rebounds, and two assists while Jio Jalalon and import Mike Harris poured in 15 markers apiece.

Veteran guard Mark Barroca also came out with a stellar showing of 18 points, seven assists, and four steals.

Phoenix import Du'Vaughn Maxwell flirted with a double-double of 32 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in the losing effort.

The Scores:

Magnolia 127 - Lee 25, Barroca 18, Jalalon 15, Harris 15, Abueva 12, Wong 11, Sangalang 11, Dela Rosa 10,  Dionisio 5, Ahanmisi 3, Reavis 2, Corpuz 0, Brill 0, Escoto 0.

Phoenix 88 - Maxwell 32, Perkins 11, Garcia 10, Wright 8, Jazul 7, Melecio 7, Robles 6, Pascual 4, Demusis 3, Porter 0, Manganti 0,  Camacho 0, Rios 0.

Quarters: 34-20, 66-46, 102-67, 127-88.

—MGP, GMA News