PBL: Torrid sniping helps Magnolia zoom past Burger King

MANILA, Philippines - Magnolia Purewater rode the hot hands of big man Chester Taylor who scored 13 of his team-high 18 points in the first half as the Wizards blasted the Burger King Stunners 91-79 in the Philippine Basketball League PG Flex Linoleum Cup on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. Taylor made three-of-four from three-point territory in the first two quarters to put Magnolia up by a commanding 45-31 halftime score. That advantage ballooned to 59-36 midway through the third and Burger King never recovered. Point-guard JP Alcaraz and forward Neil Rañeses added 14 points each for the Wizards who improved to 4-1 and remained at solo second behind idle Harbour Centre. Magnolia coach Koy Banal lauded his team's efforts, which came at the heels of a heart-breaking 76-75 loss to Harbour Centre. "It's about the right attitude and mental preparation," Banal said. Marcy Arellano finished with 12 points to pace Burger King (2-3) which fell into a tie with Bacchus and Toyota from fourth to sixth places. - GMANews.TV