Lee stars in rout of Meralco as perfect Magnolia nails 7th straight win
MANILA, Philippines – Paul Lee put on a shooting clinic as Magnolia kept its record unblemished in the PBA On Tour with a 121-101 demolition of Meralco at the San Juan Arena on Sunday, July 2.
Lee dropped 28 points on a blistering 7-of-9 clip from deep in just 19 minutes to power the unbeaten Hotshots to their seventh straight win in the preseason tournament.
Catching fire from the get-go, Lee erupted for 22 points in the first half alone as Magnolia mounted a 59-45 halftime lead on the way to the rout.
Five more Hotshots players scored in twin digits, with Jio Jalalon finishing with 18 points and 6 assists to backstop Lee, and James Laput churning out a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds to go with 5 assists.
Mark Barroca added 13 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals in the win, while Joseph Eriobu and Jerrick Ahanmisi chipped in 11 points each.
The Bolts bridged the gap to 69-73 with three minutes left in the third quarter before Magnolia restored order behind a 15-1 run highlighted by 5 points from newcomer Eriobu to end the period comfortably ahead at 88-70.
With Lee sitting out the final 12 minutes, the Hotshots turned to Jalalon as the wily guard scattered 8 points in the final salvo.
Eriobu and David Murrell – another new player Magnolia acquired through a trade with Converge in April – also helped carry the offensive load in the last frame by scoring 6 points each in the period.
Diego Dario stepped up with 22 points off 6 triples for a Meralco side missing several of its guards, including Chris Newsome, Aaron Black, Chris Banchero, and Anjo Caram.
Bong Quinto contributed 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists for the Bolts, who fell to 4-3.
The Scores
Magnolia 121 – Lee 28, Jalalon 18, Laput 14, Barroca 12, Eriobu 11, Ahanmisi 11, Tratter 8, Murrell 6, Mendoza 6, Dela Rosa 4, Reavis 3.
Meralco 101 – Dario 22, Quinto 14, Hodge 13, Johnson 13, Torres 12, Almazan 10, Maliksi 8, Pascual 7, Jose 2, Pasaol 0.
Quarters: 27-18, 59-45, 88-70, 121-101.
– Rappler.com