Magnolia extends streak to seven at Meralco's expense; Blackwater escapes San Miguel in PBA On Tour

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots extended its winning streak to seven after taking down the Meralco Bolts, 121-101, on Sunday in the PBA On Tour at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Hotshots pulled away in the second period as it led by 18 points, 44-26, at the 6:23 mark before getting the upper hand, 59-45, by halftime.

The Bolts managed to cut its deficit to four points past the halfway mark of the third period, but Magnolia had a 12-0 run to regain control of the match until the final buzzer.

Paul Lee waxed hot from beyond the arc with seven triples for his 28-point output, while Jio Jalalon added 18 points as Magnolia maintained its perfect record in the preseason tourney.

Diego Dario posted 22 points, while Bong Quinto had 14 points, nine rebounds, and five assists as the Bolts went down to 4-3.

Earlier, the Blackwater Bossing escaped the San Miguel Beermen, 103-101.

The Beermen were leading 101-99 with 36 seconds left in the final frame before an unsportsmanlike foul by John Apacible brought Jvee Casio to the line where he sank three freebies to get the lead for the Bossing.

Jericho Cruz missed his shot to regain the lead, but a foul by Nonoy Baclao on Baser Amer brought the latter to the line as his split sealed the deal for Blackwater as Rodney Brondial's triple did not connect.

Troy Rosario had 19 points, while Casio and Amer had 13 points apiece for Blackwater's fifth win in eight games.

Allyn Bulanadi posted 26 points while Cruz had 25 points as the Beermen went down to 2-6.

PBA On Tour action resumes on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavillion with NorthPort taking on NLEX and Barangay Ginebra going against Meralco.

Scores:

First Game:

Blackwater 103 – Rosario 19, DiGregorio 13, Casio 13, Amer 13, McCarthy 10, Sena 9, Suerte 8, Ilagan 6, Ayonayon 4, Banal 4, Publico 2, Ular 2, Escoto 0.

SMB 101 – Bulanadi 26, Cruz 25, Lee 15, Apacible 11, Brondial 10, Baclao 7, Faundo 4, Dela Cruz 3, De Vera 0.

Quarters: 28-21, 59-60, 79-75, 103-101.

Second Game:

Magnolia 121 – Lee 28, Jalalon 18, Laput 14, Barroca 12, Eriobu 11, Ahanmisi 11, Tratter 8, Murrell 6, Mendoza 6, Dela Rosa 4, Reavis 3.

Meralco 101 – Dario 22, Quinto 14, Hodge 13, Johnson 13, Torres 12, Almazan 10, Maliksi 8, Pascual 7, Jose 2, Pasaol 0.

Quarters: 27-18, 59-45, 88-70, 121-101.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News