MANILA — Import Clint Chapman unleashed a dominant all-around performance as Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots strengthened their quarterfinal bid with a commanding 106-94 wire-to-wire victory over defending champion TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Chapman exploded for 42 points built on three triples and a four-point shot while also hauling down 14 rebounds, dishing out two assists, and swatting two blocks as the Hotshots climbed to a 6-5 win-loss record.
Andy Mark Barroca orchestrated Magnolia’s offense with a double-double of 15 points and 13 assists, while Zavier Lucero chipped in 13 markers.
Magnolia seized control early behind Chapman’s offensive onslaught, racing to a 35-15 advantage at the end of the opening quarter before stretching the lead to 19 points at halftime.
TNT mounted a fightback in the third period and managed to trim the deficit to 72-74, but the Hotshots responded with timely baskets from Chapman, Lucero, and Barroca to pull away for good.
Bol Manute Bol delivered a massive 53-point effort along with 13 rebounds for the Tropang 5G, while Calvin Oftana contributed 18 points as the defending champions slipped to a 6-5 slate.
Meanwhile, the NLEX Road Warriors overcame a slow start before pulling away in overtime for a 123-112 victory over the Titan Ultra Giant Risers to secure the top seed entering the quarterfinals.
Robert Bolick Jr. registered a triple-double of 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists to earn Player of the Game honors as NLEX improved to 10-2.
Cady Lalanne anchored the Road Warriors with a dominant double-double of 29 points and 20 rebounds, while Deschon Winston added 22 markers.
Michael Gilmore paced Titan Ultra with 25 points, Joshua Munzon chipped in 19 markers, while Jerrick Balanza and Cade Flores added 12 and 10 points, respectively, as the Giant Risers fell to 2-9./PN
