Magnolia cruises past Phoenix to go 4-0 in Philippine Cup

Magnolia extended its winning streak to four at the expense of Phoenix, 118-99, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday in Zamboanga City.

The Hotshots started strong to claim a 35-27 lead by the end of the first quarter, before the gap widened to 67-53 at the end of the first half. 

From then, Magnolia continued to pound on the Fuel Masters as it registered its biggest lead, 107-79, from a Mark Barroca layup at the 7:35 mark of the fourth period. It was too much already for Phoenix despite its late attempt to catch up with efforts led by the likes of Kai Ballungay, RR Garcia, Ken Tuffin, and Raul Soyud.

Barroca starred with 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and a steal as he returned to his hometown, while Ian Sangalang had 20 points as Magnolia remained perfect in four games. Zav Lucero posted a double-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

Ballungay and Garcia combined for 47 points with the former scoring 25 to go with 15 rebounds. Jason Perkins added 17 points as Phoenix slipped to 1-3.

Scores:

Magnolia 118 – Sangalang 20, Barroca 18, Lucero 17, Lee 17, Laput 10, Dela Rosa 8, Ahanmisi 7, Abueva 6, Alfaro 6, Escoto 5, Lastimosa 4, Dionisio 0.

Phoenix 99 – Ballungay 25, Garcia 22, Perkins 17, Tio 8, Soyud 6, Tuffin 5, Rivero 4, Camacho 4, Jazul 4, Manganti 4,  Daves 0, Ular 0, Verano 0, Alejandro 0.

Quarters: 35-27, 67-53, 94-74, 118-99.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News