Meralco grounds undermanned Magnolia for two wins in a row

Meralco took advantage of a short-handed Magnolia side, dismantling the Hotshots with a decisive 74-51 triumph in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at PhilSports Arena.

The Bolts have now improved to 5-5 behind back-to-back wins while the Hotshots, who were missing the services of Jio Jalalon and Calvin Abueva, absorbed their second straight loss to go 5-4. 

Raymond Almazan poured in a double-double effort of 12 points and 11 rebounds while Chris Newsome weaved an all-around outing of 12 markers, eight boards, seven dimes, and two blocks as the Bolts kept their playoff hopes very much alive. 

Chris Banchero and Brandon Bates provided the support with 11 and 10 points, respectively, with the latter also collecting six rebounds, and four steals. 

Meanwhile, the Hotshots, who were coming off a 98-91 loss to San Miguel the other day, never held a single lead as two of their scorers were out and were held to just 25 shooting percentage from the field with Ian Sangalang emerging as the top scorer with eight points. 

Magnolia's 51-point outing is also the lowest production in the franchise's history while it was also the fewest points allowed in a game in the Bolts' history. 

Scores:

Meralco 74 – Newsome 12, Almazan 12, Banchero 11, Bates 10, Caram 9, Quinto 6, Maliksi 4, Black 3, Dario 3, Hodge 2, Pascual 2, Torres 0, Pasaol 0.

Magnolia 51 – Sangalang 8, Laput 6, Dionisio 6, Lee 6, Dela Rosa 5, Barroca 5, Tratter 4, Balanza 4, Escoto 2, Corpuz 2, Eriobu 2, Mendoza 1, Reavis 0.

Quarters: 21-14, 35-21, 56-34, 74-51.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News