PBA: Magnolia erupts in fourth quarter to beat Meralco in rain-delayed game

Magnolia exploded for 35 fourth-quarter points to pull away from Meralco, 105-88, in a rain-delayed PBA Governors' Cup clash on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The start of the fourth quarter was delayed after rainwater leaked through the venue's roof, but the lengthy break ultimately worked in Magnolia's favor.

Holding a slim 71-70 lead after three quarters, the Hotshots outscored the Bolts 35-18 in the final period to seal the victory.

Jerom Lastimosa spearheaded Magnolia's decisive run, scoring 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter.

Head coach LA Tenorio admitted the unexpected stoppage played a key role in the outcome.

"I just reminded them that whoever comes out dito sa fourth quarter na 'to with this long break na aggressive and may momentum on getting the stops, malaking chance na makuha ang game na 'to," Tenorio said.

He also dedicated the victory to the late Barangay Ginebra team staff member Ian Calilan.

"I was worried honestly kasi we had a good run end of the third quarter and then suddenly nag-stop, akala ko talaga 'yung momentum natigil. It turns out, my players responded not only in the fourth quarter but the whole game," he added.

Import KJ Buffen led Magnolia with 27 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Lastimosa finished with 17 points. Ian Sangalang posted a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds to go along with two assists and a steal, while Zav Lucero chipped in 10 points.

Antonio Hester paced Meralco with 24 points, while Jason Brickman added 19. Chris Newsome and CJ Cansino contributed 17 and 15 points, respectively.

With the win, Magnolia improved to 3-3, while Meralco dropped to 2-5.

Scores:

Magnolia 105 – Buffen 27, Lastimosa 17, Sangalang 16, Lucero 10, Andrada 8, Lee 7, Dela Rosa 7, Barroca 7, Alfaro 4, Jopia 2, Koon 0.

Meralco 88 – Hester 24, Brickman 19, Newsome 17, Cansino 15, Black 6, Quinto 3, Hodge 2, Banchero 2, Bates 0, Mocon 0, Rios 0.

Quarters: 22-29, 47-48, 71-70, 105-88.

—JKC, GMA News