PBA: Magnolia bounces back at Blackwater’s expense

Magnolia returned to its winning ways at the expense of Blackwater, 90–75, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The win came after the Hotshots suffered a 94–92 loss to San Miguel last November 7.

Blackwater led at halftime, 41–34, and opened the third period with back-to-back baskets from Paul Zamar and Christian David, before the Hotshots unleashed a 15–0 run to take a 49–45 lead at the 6:59 mark.

Jack Cruz-Dumont drilled a triple to halt Magnolia’s run, followed by a Richard Escoto basket, but Javi Gomez de Liaño responded with a four-pointer to give the Hotshots a 53–50 edge.

By the end of the third period, Magnolia was already ahead, 64–55, and continued to hold off the Bossing the rest of the way to secure the victory.

Gomez de Liaño led Magnolia with 17 points, three steals, and two assists, while Ian Sangalang added 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block. Zav Lucero registered a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, along with three assists, two blocks, and a steal.

Sedrick Barefield paced Blackwater with 16 points, while Dalph Panopio and Richard Escoto tallied 14 and 12 points, respectively.

With the win, Magnolia improved to 5–2, while Blackwater absorbed its sixth straight loss after opening the conference with a victory.

Scores:

Magnolia 90 – Gomez de Liano 17, Sangalang 16, Lucero 13, Verano 12, Lastimosa 10, Barroca 7, Eriobu 5, Lee 4, Dela Rosa 3, Taha 2, Alfaro 1, Koon 0.

Blackwater 75 – Barefield 16, Panopio 14, Escoto 12, Dumont 9, Andrade 6, Tratter 5, David 5, Mendoza 4, Zamar 2, Una 2, Murrell 0, Mallilin 0, Jopia 0.

Quarters: 18-15, 34-41, 64-55, 90-75.

—JKC, GMA integrated News