There seems to be no stopping the Magnolia Hotshots at this point of the 2018 Governors’ Cup as they collected their third straight win at the expense of the Columbian Dyip, 113-95, Wednesday evening at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Hotshots have improved to 5-1 and have now gained a share of the top spot of the team standings with reigning, two-time champs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. The Dyip, on the other hand, have now gone winless in seven games.
Columbian has been virtually eliminated from playoff contention.
“It’s a very important game for us. I told my players kung anuman mindset namin versus San Miguel, versus Rain or Shine, we need to do it again. We can’t afford to relax — this is our fourth game in 10 days,” said head coach Chito Victolero.
“I’m very proud of the players, kasi ginawa nila gameplan namin from start to finish,” Victolero furthered.
Romeo Travis powered Magnolia with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. Mark Barroca made 16 points, while Paul Lee chipped in 13 markers and five rebounds. Ian Sangalang added 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting.
The match had never been in doubt right from the get-go, as the Hotshots opened the game up with a 20-8 scoring blitz thanks to the offensive exploits of their frontcourt personnel, mainly Travis, Sangalang, and Rafi Reavis.
Magnolia would go on to lead Columbin by as many as 28 points, 77-49, after a Robbie Herndon bucket with 7:11 remaining in the third quarter.
Jackson Corpuz led Columbian with 20 points and nine rebounds. Reinforcement Akeem Wright had an all-around outing with 19 points, eight boards, and six assists, while JayR Reyes made 15 markers and five caroms.
Magnolia will look to extend their streak versus Blackwater next Wednesday, October 10, at the Cuneta Astrodome, while Columbian and NorthPort will face in a battle of winless squads this Saturday, October 6, in Antipolo City.
The Scores:
Magnolia 113 – Travis 32, Barroca 16, Lee 13, Sangalang 11, Herndon 8, dela Rosa 7, Jalalon 6, Reavis 5, Mendoza 3, Melton 3, Simon 3, Gamalinda 2, Ramos 2, Brondial 2, Pascual 0, Abundo 0.
Columbian 95 – Corpuz 20, Wright 19, McCarthy 12, King 12, Sara 7, Khobuntin 6, Escoto 2, Gabriel 2, Celda 0, Ababou 0, Tubid 0, Cabrera 0.
Quarterscores: 31-20, 60-46, 92-70, 113-95.
