Magnolia completed its sweep of the PBA On Tour after foiling the upset-hungry Terrafirma, 106-92, Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Fresh bloods Joseph Eriobu and Aris Dionisio led the fourth-quarter assault as the Hotshots successfully achieved what they consider an accomplishment by finishing the single-round preseason derby with a perfect 11-0 record.
“We’re very happy as a team. As a coach, I’m very proud of my players because this is a testament ng hard work namin,” said head coach Chito Victolero.
“Ito ‘yung pinaka-bunga, ito ‘yung pinaka-bonus namin. We’re very committed in this preseason. We’re focused, we want to build that character, we want to have good habits, the winning attitude, the culture … Nagawa namin,” he added.
James Laput finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Eriobu finished with 15 points, while Dionisio added 10 as the young ones led the way.
Eriobu went 5-of-7 from the field that included a triple, which proved so important as it broke the 69-all deadlock before the third quarter ended.
He then formed a 1-2 combo with Dionisio to produce an 11-2 run to start the final period, which kept the Hotshots in the lead the rest of the way.
“It’s good for us both teams, para magkaroon kami ng competitive spirit,” offered the champion bench tactician of the tight encounter.
Team captain Mark Barroca supplied 12 points for Magnolia in the triumph that saw all 14 players fielded by Victolero score at least three points.
Now, the entire Hotshots will take a short break before resuming their preparations for Season 48, which opens shop in October.
Meanwhile, Andreas Cahilig and Javi Gomez de Liano scored 14 points apiece to lead Terrafirma, which ended the On Tour with a 4-7 record.
The Scores:
Magnolia 106 – Laput 16, Eriobu 15, Barroca 12, Dionisio 10, Dela Rosa 9, Escoto 8, Ahanmisi 6, Mendoza 6, Murrell 6, Reavis 4, Tratter , Abueva 4, Jalalon 3, Corpuz 3.
Terrafirma 92 – Cahilig 14, Gomez de Liano 14, Camson 13, Tiongson 12, Alolino 12, Go 10, Calvo 9, Daquioag 8, Alanes 0, Grospe 0.
Quarterscores: 24-17, 48-42, 72-69, 106-92.
