Rome Dela Rosa game-winner lifts Magnolia past NorthPort for win no. 1

Rome Dela Rosa drilled the game-winning shot as Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots escaped NorthPort by a thread, 80-77, to finally barge into the win column of 2022 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old Del Rosa notched a three-pointer that gave the Hotshots a slim 80-77 cushion with only 10 seconds left in the game. Arwind Santos tried to send the match into overtime but his triple attempt didn't go in.

Prior to his game-clinching shot, Dela Rosa was 0-for-7 from the field as he finished with just three points to go along with three boards.

Calvin Abueva led Magnolia with a huge double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds while Paul Lee chipped in 12 markers as they cruised to their maiden win in three games.

NorthPort, who fell to 2-1 following two consecutive wins to open the season, was led by Santos who poured in a double-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks. Jamie Malonzo and Robert Bolick chimed in with 15 and 13 markers each.

Magnolia earlier fell to Converge and defending champion TNT.

—JMB, GMA News