New guy Abu Tratter fit in like a glove as Magnolia began its PBA On Tour stint with a 117-83 rout of Blackwater, Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Acquired from a multi-player trade with Converge, the 30-year-old big man finished with 14 points and seven rebounds as he helped lead the Hotshots’ balanced attack that saw a total of eight players score in double figures.
Tratter scored 10 of his points in the first half, where he helped his side build a commanding 68-30 lead at the break to set the tone of the romp.
“I think madami pa siyang madadagdag,” offered head coach Chito Victolero of the La Salle product. “I’m very happy nakatulong siya.”
Mark Barroca and Jerrick Ahanmisi finished with 14 points each as well in the win where Magnolia shot 15 triples, 11 of which they canned in the first half on the way to the big lead that the Bossing couldn’t overcome.
Aris Dionisio and James Laput made 12 points apiece, Paul Lee made 11, while Jackson Corpuz and former 3×3 standout Joseph Eriobu had 10 each.
The Hotshots will look to carry over their fine form on Wednesday, May 31, as they battle Converge (1-0) at 7:30 p.m. in the same venue.
James Sena, meanwhile, had 11 points to lead Blackwater, who was coming off a 93-88 win over NLEX in the preseason opener last Sunday.
The Bossing will also be seeing action on Wednesday as they open the double-header affair with a duel versus Terrafirma at 5 p.m. in a clash of teams looking to redeem themselves from humiliating defeats.
The Scores:
Magnolia 117 – Tratter 14, Ahanmisi 14, Barroca 14, Dionisio 12, Laput 12, Lee 11, Eriobu 10, Corpuz 10, Dela Rosa 9, Mendoza 8, Murrell 3, Reavis 0
Blackwater 83 – Sena 11, McCarthy 10, Ilagan 10, Ular 9, Amer 8, Casio 6, Suerte 6, Rosario 6, Hill 6, Escoto 5, Ayonayon 3, Taha 2, Publico 1, Banal 0, DiGregorio 0
Quarterscores: 31-19, 68-30, 90-57, 117-83
