Aris Dionisio had a career night and powered Magnolia past NorthPort in a battle of import-less sides, 110-94, to formalize their entry to the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals, Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The 29-year-old erupted for 30 points, including 12 in the opening period alone behind a hot 4-of-5 clip from the first arc to lead his side to a 22-9 start, setting the tone for the rout as they completed the quarters cast of Group A.
He finished with a total of nine threes to reset the franchise record for most triples in a game, eclipsing the eight set by Boyet Fernandez in a Manila Clasico duel back in September 21, 2001, per league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III.
“Every game naman, mine-mention ni Coach na kailangan namin mag-start strong kasi lahat ng games namin slow start kami kaya nahihirapan kami maka-recover sa dulo. Sometimes, nananalo, madalas din natatalo,” he said.
“Tinanim ko lang sa isip ko na kailangan mag-go hard ako and then kailangan namin yung panalo para makapasok sa playoffs. Thank you din sa mga teammates ko,” added the no. 9 pick of the 2019 Draft out of St. Clare.
Dionisio’s explosion couldn’t have come at a better time for a Hotshots side that missed Shabazz Muhammad due to a left knee tendonitis, which he suffered during practice. He still joined the team, though, and was even in uniform.
Also helping out were Zavier Lucero with his double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, as well as Joseph Eriobu with 13 points off the bench.
Calvin Abueva made 12 points and nine rebounds while Ian Sangalang added 10 for Magnolia, who improved to 5-4 and will try to finish the group stage with six wins when it takes on Converge on Monday in the same venue.
The FiberXers and the Hotshots are both sporting similar records, making their upcoming meeting a clash for the third seed of the group.
Arvin Tolentino, on the other hand, finished with 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists for the Batang Pier, who bowed out of contention at 3-6.
Damie Cuntapay had 13 points while Jio Jalalon added 11 markers as they tried to lead a fourth-quarter chase, but couldn’t come up with a legitimate threat.
Like Magnolia, the team of Coach Bonnie Tan also played without an import as Venky Jois underwent surgery to repair a torn Achilles. They may play with an all-local unit again versus TNT on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
Magnolia 110 – Dionisio 30, Lucero 16, Eriobu 13, Abueva 12, Sangalang 10, Lee 9, Dela Rosa 9, Barroca 7, Ahanmisi 4, Mendoza 0, Escoto 0, Balanza 0, Laput 0.
NorthPort 94 – Tolentino 25, Cuntapay 13, Jalalon 11, Flores 8, Amores 8, Munzon 6, Navarro 6, Onwubere 6, Tratter 4, Bulanadi 4, Taha 2, Nelle 1, Yu 0.
Quarterscores: 29-13, 57-35, 83-61, 110-94.
