Magnolia regained its identity in the second half and turned back the upset-seeking Phoenix, 107-93, to register back-to-back wins for the first time in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Hotshots erupted for 32 points in the third and then put the game away for good in the deciding frame, responding aptly after entering the half down by 10 as the Fuel Masters flat-out dominated the second chapter, 39-19.
It was the most points given up in a quarter by the team in six conferences, according to league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III.
“We allowed them to score 39 points in the second quarter and that’s not us. I think that’s the worst defensive quarter for us,” said head coach Chito Victolero.
Mark Barroca, as usual, was among those who helped stabilize Magnolia and finished with a career-high-tying 27 points with four assists.
Ian Sangalang produced 23 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Jio Jalalon delivered 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
The three usual starters, for a change, came off the bench this time around.
Joseph Eriobu provided the surprise spark with 11 points, including six in the crucial 15-7 Magnolia run to finish the third in their favor, 79-77.
Eriobu would help out as well in the Hotshots’ fiery start into the fourth, where they unloaded a telling 17-6 assault for a 96-80 lead approaching the game’s last six minutes – more than enough to put the game out of reach.
“They responded to the challenge. I think doon nagsimula ang magandang opensa namin in the second half,” offered Victolero.
Magnolia (3-2) will try to make it three consecutive wins as it takes on the skidding Blackwater on Wednesday, April 17, 7:30 PM in the same venue.
Veteran guard RJ Jazul, meanwhile, had 21 points to lead Phoenix, who absorbed its fifth loss in seven outings in the season-ending conference.
Kenneth Tuffin made 17 points, while Jason Perkins added 16 for the Fuel Masters/
Phoenix sank 10 triples in the first half but only had four in the ensuing half, where they got held to only 36 points after that explosive second quarter.
Phoenix will try to bounce back against the current 2-seed in NLEX (5-2) on Saturday, April 20, 3:00 PM at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Scores:
Magnolia 107 – Barroca 27, Sangalang 23, Jalalon 13, Eriobu 11, Tratter 8, Dionisio 7, Lee 7, Abueva 6, Balanza 2, Mendoza 2, Reavis 1, Escoto 0, Laput 0.
Phoenix 93 – Jazul 21, Tuffin 17, Perkins 16, Mocon 11, Salado 8, Verano 8, Alejandro 6, Rivero 6, Muyang 0, Camacho 0, Daves 0, Lalata 0.
Quarterscores: 28-18, 47-57, 79-77, 107-93.
